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: Shawn Colten, National Diving Champion

“Something that used to make you happy makes you cry now for no reason.”

 

 

Men and Depression: Steve Lappen, Writer

“It just simply invades every pore of your skin.”

 

 

Men and Depression: Tuffy Sierra, Trauma and Recovery Specialist

“Depression for us as Indian men is not diagnosed because of the trauma we’ve suffered.”

 

 

Source: National Institute of Mental Health