Anxiety and depression in men

Men can tend to put off getting any kind of support, because they may think they’re supposed to be tough, self-reliant, and able to manage pain and take charge of situations. This can make it hard for men to acknowledge they have any health issues, let alone any that affect their social and emotional wellbeing. is a serious and common mental health condition that is unlikely to get better by itself.

If you have a broken arm or a deep cut on your foot, you don’t expect that to heal without medical help.

It’s the same with depression – it’s important to seek support

At some stage of their lives. Men are less likely to experience anxiety and depression than women.

They are also less likely to talk about it. This increases the risk of their anxiety or depression going unrecognised and untreated. In United States, there are about 3,000 suicides each year. Around 75% of people who take their lives are men, with an average of almost 7 men taking their lives every day.

It’s important to remember that anxiety and depression are conditions, not weaknesses, and effective treatments are available. Anxiety is more than having sweaty palms and butterflies in your stomach. Symptoms of anxiety can include ongoing feelings of worry, fear and impending doom that are so severe they interfere with your ability to work, maintain relationships and get a decent night’s sleep.

Physical signs of anxiety may include:

• Emotional signs of anxiety may include
• fear of losing control. While depression is often associated with sadness
• it also manifests itself in irritability anger unnecessary risk taking
• increased alcohol or drug use in men

Physical signs of depression may include: use

Emotional signs of depression may include:

• thinking about death or suicide. Your doctor is a good source of information
• can discuss with you whether what you’re experiencing may be anxiety or depression

They can also refer you to a

Any of these health professionals can help you with an action plan, whether or not you are diagnosed with anxiety, depression or both. and cutting down on alcohol and other drugs are all worthwhile changes that can help to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms. , are effective in treating anxiety and depression and are often recommended first, particularly for mild to moderate anxiety and depression.

Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist or other for this type of treatment. For some people, antidepressant medication might also be an option. Antidepressants can be effective for both anxiety and depression.

They usually take at least 2 weeks before they start to help, and it may also take some time for your doctor to find the medication and dose that is most effective for you.

Your action plan for anxiety and depression will cover a wide range of options

The plan can include exercise, stress management and how to improve your sleep.

You may be referred to a psychologist who can help you address things like negative thinking and how to manage Some people think it’s weak to admit they’re going through a tough time, but if you have anxiety or depression, you can’t just ‘snap out of it’ or ‘pull yourself together’. There’s more to it than that.

If you think you may have anxiety or depression, and want to take action, start by talking to someone you trust – keeping it to yourself can make things worse.

Discuss your situation with a friend, partner, family member a colleague or your There are lots of things you can do to look after your health and wellbeing, so find an approach that best suits you.

For example, try to stay active and make plans for the day – they don’t have to be grand plans, just small things like going for a run or talking to a mate.

Try to include activities or hobbies that you specifically enjoy.

At first, you may not enjoy them as much as you did before, but if you keep active and persist, the enjoyment should eventually return. It’s important to look after your body by staying physically active, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep. Try not to drink alcohol or take other drugs to block out how you’re feeling and what is happening.

This is not a positive long-term solution and can make the anxiety or depression worse. The important thing is to find the right options and the right health professionals that suit you. There are ways that you can help someone with anxiety or depression.

It may be helpful to: spend time talking about their experiences and let them know you’re there to listen without being judgmental encourage family and friends to invite them out and keep in touch, but don’t pressure them to participate in activities contact a doctor or hospital if they become a threat to themselves or others.

It is unhelpful to: assume the problem will just go away.

If you or someone you know needs support, talk to a doctor or other health professional about getting appropriate treatment.

When we talk about being stressed, it usually means we’re upset or tense about something that’s happening in our lives.

Stress is a normal part of daily life

It’s a natural physical and mental response that is designed to help people cope effectively with emergencies.

Some stress can be a good thing

It can help us get motivated to get things done, but health problems from stress happen when it is regular and doesn’t let up. (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. Support Service (24 hours.

7 days) Tel. Michigan (24 hours, 7 days) Tel. Helpline Tel.

If you are in an emergency, or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, contact emergency services on 911. Depression Prevalence of anxiety and depression in men On average, one in 8 men will have depression and one in 5 men will experience anxiety Untreated depression is a high risk factor for suicide Learn the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression – not only for you, but for your friends and family.

Visit Beyond Blue to find out more about anxiety and depression in men Symptoms of anxiety in men pounding or racing heart excessive sweating muscle tension restlessness or agitation dizziness and vertigo shortness of breath or choking sensations insomnia panic attacks frequent worry about what could go wrong feelings of dread concentration problems avoidance catastrophic thinking irritability or edginess being overly vigilant towards danger absentmindedness Symptoms of depression in men loss of energy, lethargy or exhaustion changes in appetite change in sleep patterns and restlessness loss of sex drive alcohol or drug feeling sad or nervous losing interest or pleasure in activities feeling irritable, angry or violent becoming withdrawn and isolated feeling worthless, guilty, or hopeless taking unnecessary risks Treatment for anxiety and depression in men psychologist or psychiatrist Anxiety and depression are like any other conditions – there are ways to treat and manage them Lifestyle changes, such as spending time with supportive friends and family, regular exercise , getting enough sleep , maintaining a healthy diet Psychological treatments, including cognitive behaviour therapy counsellor Develop an action plan for anxiety and depression difficulties in your relationships GP Beyond Blue has put together information about how men can create an action plan Tips for men coping with anxiety and depression Supporting someone with anxiety or depression let them know if you’ve noticed a change in their behaviour help them to get information from a website, library or community health centre suggest they go to a doctor or health professional, and help them to make an appointment offer to go with them to their appointment and follow up with them afterwards encourage them to get enough sleep, to exercise and to eat well put pressure on them by telling them to ‘snap out of it’ or ‘get their act together’ stay away or avoid them tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more pressure them to party more or wipe out how they’re feeling with drugs and alcohol Stress is not anxiety or depression Stress Where to get help In an emergency, always call 911 Your GP (doctor) Psychologist Psychiatrist MensLine United States (616) 555-0400 Suicide Call Back Service (616) 555-0400 Beyond Blue (616) 555-0400 Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 SuicideLine (616) 555-0400 for counselling, crisis intervention, information and referral SANE United States 1800 187 263 THIS WAY UP online program developed by the Clinical Research Unit of Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD) at St Vincent’s Hospital, Detroit and University of New South Wales (UNSW) Faculty of Medicine.

Key Points

• is a serious and common mental health condition that is unlikely to get better by itself
• It’s the same with depression – it’s important to seek support
• This increases the risk of their anxiety or depression going unrecognised and untreated
• Your doctor may refer you to see a psychologist or other for this type of treatment
• It’s important to look after your body by staying physically active, eating healthily and getting plenty of sleep