Kevlar for the Mind: Depression is different for men, women - Off Duty, Military Health and Fitness - Navy Times

Kevlar for the Mind: Depression is different for men, women

It’s no surprise when you hear psychologists say that men and women are different. In many aspects of life, we are. We joke about different tastes in movies or views on shopping. However, one area of difference is more serious: depression.

Over a lifetime, women are twice as likely to develop depression; about 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men are affected.

Although the exact reason for this is unknown, the higher rates in women are likely due to a combination of factors such as stress, hormones and styles of thinking.

Depressive episodes in women typically last longer and are more severe. Depressed women have higher rates of anxiety, eating disorders, guilt feelings, and physical symptoms such as headaches and muscle aches. Women also tend to blame themselves for their problems, develop feelings of worthlessness, avoid conflict and soothe themselves with food.

Depressed men tend to externalize their depression. They become easily angered and agitated, create conflict and blame others for their problems. Depressed men are more likely to turn to alcohol, drugs or sex as a means of dealing with sadness. They also withdraw emotionally from loved ones, often by increasing their use of television and the Internet.

The most serious difference between depressed men and women is suicide. Women attempt it more frequently, but four times as many men as women complete the act. Men generally use more lethal means, such as firearms, while women overdose on medication or make superficial cuts to their wrists.

The differences matter in treatment, too. Women generally do better in psychotherapy — men may not see the benefit of talking about their problems, but women understand that emotional support can be helpful.

Generally, women also are better communicators than men, which is important in counseling. Men may respond better to medication. For men, there is less stigma in taking a pill than talking about your feelings with a stranger. Women tend to have more side effects from antidepressant medications, which can lead to their stopping the medication without their doctor’s knowledge.

Depression affects millions. Although there are many differences in depression between men and women, there is one important similarity: Both can be treated successfully. It’s just a matter of seeking help. For more information, visit www.apa.org.

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Bret A. Moore is a board-certified clinical psychologist who served two tours in Iraq. E-mail kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to convey specific psychological or medical guidance. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.