Depression Treatment for Men

Depression is a serious condition that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, affects 6 million American men every year. Men often have a stubborn resistance to seeking help for their depression, which can make symptoms worse. Don't let pride get in the way of your health and safety; get the proper treatment for your depression today.

Medications

• Many men fight against taking medicine---an important option in treating depression---as they feel it makes them appear weak, or they don't want to be dependent on a substance to be normal. Many depression sufferers can benefit from medication, however. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricylics can help treat the chemical causes of depression by balancing the chemicals in the mind. Most antidepressants take several weeks of use to work. Though antidepressants are generally not habit forming, some people may have difficulty coming down from them due to the dose concentration. Anti-anxiety medicines can help calm a person who suffers from anxiety due to depression. Doctors sometimes prescribe lithium to treat bipolar disorder and calm mood swings. People who take lithium should monitor it carefully due to the critical border between safety and toxicity.

Psychotherapy

• While medicines can help treat the chemical causes depression, they cannot treat the psychological causes. Fully treating depression often requires medicines and psychotherapy. Short-term therapies include cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal therapy. These treatments generally last 10 to 20 weeks.

  Cognitive behavioral therapy studies the thinking and behavior patterns that cause the patient's depression. The behavioral therapist will then try to help the patient change her behavior through discussion and assignments at home.

  Interpersonal therapists deal with relationships that may cause the patient's depression. This can involve talking with both the patient and anyone who may be contributing to her depression. Long-term strategies include weekly sessions with a psychiatrist and talks about day-to-day problems.

Healthy Living

• Though chemical imbalances in the mind usually contribute physically to depression, poor diet can also lead to the condition. Men who eat food high in fat and sodium and low in minerals and vitamins often suffer from depression. A body with poor nutrition doesn't run smoothly and does not metabolize its food as efficiently as it should, leading to low energy levels, ennui and even depression. If you are suffering from depression, try balancing your diet by cutting out junk foods and replacing them with fruits and vegetables. Instead of eating white breads high in starch, eat whole-wheat breads high in bran and grains. An exercise regiment can also help you fight depression. Exercise will increase your metabolism and release endorphins that improve your mood; even a half-hour walk should help you feel a little bit better.