This is a three part series, Saturday the 12th thru Monday the 14th

 

“Don’t feel bad about feeling bad. Don’t be frightened of feeling afraid. Don’t be angry about getting angry. There is no need to give up when we are feeling depressed. Nor should we be dismayed at the grief which often accompanies the outgrowing of anything which needs outgrowing. We can be glad that our soul is speaking to us and pushing us onwards. We frequently need to persevere with a period of inner turmoil before the dust can settle and be swept out the door.” 
― Donna Goddard, The Love of Devotion

 

Depression is a serious but treatable medical condition — a brain disease — that can strike anyone, including men. In America alone, more than 6 million men have depression each year.

Whether you’re a company executive, a construction worker, a writer, a police officer, or a student; whether you are rich or poor; surrounded by loved ones or alone; you are not immune to depression. Some factors, however, such as family history, undue stress, the loss of a loved one, or serious illnesses can make you more vulnerable.

If left untreated, depression can lead to personal, family, and financial difficulties. With appropriate diagnosis and treatment, however, most people recover. The darkness disappears, hope for the future returns, and energy and interest in life becomes stronger than ever.

 

Real Men. Real Stories of Depression

 

Men and Depression: Patrick McCathern, First Sergeant, U.S. Air Force, Retired

“Because you have to deal with it. It doesn’t just go away.”

 

 

Men and Depression: Rene Ruballo, Police Officer

“I lost interest with the kids and doing the things that we used to do… you know, that families do.”

 

 

Men and Depression: Rodolfo Palma-Lulion, College Student

“Being Latino made it harder because there’s a silence over things.”

 

 

Source: National Institute of Mental Health