|
In some men, depression can accompany the condition of ED. It
is common for men with ED to feel angry, frustrated, sad, or unsure of
themselves. Men may feel less "manly" because of ED. Such feelings may
lead to a lack of self-esteem and eventually to depression.
What is depression?
Depression is an illness marked by persistent sadness,
feelings of hopelessness, and a pessimistic outlook.
The most common symptoms of depression include:
- low self-esteem
- loss of interest in
formerly pleasurable activities
- fatigue
- changes in appetite
- sleep disturbances
- apathy
Depression affects the way one feels about oneself and the way
one thinks about things. People who are depressed cannot simply "pull
themselves together" and get better. Depression is not a sign of personal
weakness.
Without treatment, symptoms of depression can last
indefinitely. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer
from depression.
Depression is not a "woman’s disease"
Depression is found in men and women, even though men account
for only one in 10 diagnosed cases of depression. Depression once was considered
a "woman’s disease" that was linked to hormones and premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). This lingering stereotype of may prevent some men from
recognizing its symptoms and from seeking appropriate treatment.
Depression in men may not be recognized
In American culture, expressing emotion is largely considered
a feminine trait. Depression in males may go unrecognized because:
- Men tend to deny having
problems because they are supposed to "be strong."
- Men who are depressed are
more likely to talk about the physical symptoms of depression, such as
feeling tired, rather than about actual emotions.
- Outward symptoms of male
depression are not always understood. Men are less likely than women to show
"typical" signs of depression, such as crying, sadness, or loss of
interest in activities they used to enjoy.
- Men are more likely than
women to keep their feelings hidden, but they may become more irritable and
aggressive.
For these reasons, many men—as well their health care
professionals—fail to recognize depression.
Diagnosing depression in men with ED
The diagnosis of depression begins with a physical exam and
interview by a health care professional, who likely will ask about issues
including family history and chemical dependency. There is no single test that
can diagnose depression; however, there are certain patterns that health care
professionals look for in order to make a proper diagnosis. These patterns may
include overall sadness, irritability, and withdrawal from everyday activities.
Treating depression in men with ED
Treatment for depression may include antidepressant
medications, psychotherapy (talk therapy), or a combination of both.
- Antidepressants:
Many different drugs, including Prozac, Zoloft, Elavil, and Wellbutrin, are
used to treat depression. Note that some antidepressants can worsen ED.
Health care providers can recommend antidepressants that are appropriate for
men with ED.
- Talk therapy: During
therapy, a person with depression talks to a licensed and trained mental
health care professional who helps the person identify and work through
issues related to depression. Types of talk therapy include couples therapy,
individual therapy, and group therapy.
Help is available
Depression that accompanies ED is treatable. The first step in
addressing your concerns about ED-related depression is to be honest with
yourself, your partner, and your doctor. After depression has been brought out
into the open, coping with it will be easier and less stressful.
|
