A study published in 2009 examined men’s experience of depression. The article, entitled “A Qualitative Investigation of Depression in Men,” appeared in Volume 10 of Psychology of Men & Masculinity. The study interviewed fifteen men about their experience with depression and found that men often have atypical symptoms, such as substance abuse, interpersonal conflict and anger management issues. These symptoms are not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which outlines the diagnostic criteria for mental disorders.
This study shed light on the qualitative experience of depression, which is often overlooked by researchers focused on gathering easily interpretable quantitative data. The study found that the onset of depression was usually associated with significant life changes, such as the loss of a relationship or job. Furthermore, the attempts to hide their depression from others resulted in cyclical and escalating symptoms. The men in the study reported that they did not want others to know of their depression, since they felt they would be viewed as weak or “unmanly.”
In trying to cope with their depressive symptoms by themselves, the men in this study reported using a variety of short-term remedies, based on trial and error. Some of these short-term remedies, such as substance abuse or infidelity, although providing temporary relief, ultimately caused the symptoms to escalate as their situation worsened.
The men in this study were unable to escape the cyclical and escalating nature of their symptoms until they found outside help. This help typically was either in the form of a spouse or therapist, and, in one case, a man report that his parents helped him overcome his depressive symptoms.
This study helps us understand how a man’s view of his own masculinity can affect his experience with depression.
“I think the hardest thing is to address the problem or to identify there’s a problem with a man. You have to be willing to fall flat on your face. You have to let go of your ego,” as one participant said.
Reference:
Chuick, C.D., Greenfield, J.M., Greenberg, S.T., Shepard, S.J., Cochran, S.V. & Haley, J.T. (2009) A qualitative investigation of depression in men, Journal of Men & Masculinity, 10(4): 302-313.