He Sad, She Sad

He Sad, She Sad

“One of the saddest things about depression is the lingering myth that it is mostly a ‘female disorder’.” So, reported The Star of Johannesburg. This lingering myth however, may be starting to fade as more and more health professionals begin to recognize the difference between depression in men and women. According to the South African edition of Readers Digest, “sadness does not necessarily accompany depression in males”.

What are the different signs of depression in the sexes? And given the convoluted attributes of clinical depression, should we bother defining depression at all? JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) reported, “in women depression has a notably different constellation of symptoms than in men.” Depression in men is often characterized by anger, fatigue, irritability, reduction in work performance, and a tendency to isolate himself from his friends and loved ones. Also, depression remains hidden in males because they visit health professionals less often than women do.

It is not surprising that males are more hesitant to discuss their problems with their doctor, and less likely to articulate emotional concerns adequately. Females are better able to express to their health professional their feelings, and doctors are more familiar with symptoms of depression that are common in women.

Regardless of gender, however, depression is on the rise worldwide and people need education on what symptoms to look for in themselves and their families. All persons -- males and females – experience sadness, sullenness, anxiety, stress, even fatigue or anger at times, but intensity and duration are good indicators that professional help be sought.

One form of depression is burnout. “Burnout has no precise medical definition,” explains Fortune magazine, the most “commonly accepted symptoms include fatigue, low morale, absenteeism, increased health problems, and drug or alcohol abuse.” These, of course can be underlying symptoms of other conditions, but two strong indicators that one is suffering from burnout are prolonged anger and carelessness.

Generally, victims of burnout are neither maladjusted nor emotionally disturbed, and furthermore they often care deeply about their performance and the company they work for. How do you know if you are a candidate for burnout? Well, if you are struggling to survive fierce competition at work or toiling to climb the corporate ladder - you’re a candidate. If you work long and hard trying to take full control of a project or position – you’re a candidate. If you work nonstop, exhibit unwavering devotion, and are not achieving the results you desire – you are a candidate.

Home-phobia syndrome is another growing form of depression that is sending middle-aged workers to the doctor. Sufferers are described as worn-out employees who linger around coffee shops and bars after work.

Eventually, those suffering from this syndrome stop going home entirely. Some fear returning home because their spouses are unsympathetic to their problem. Others have been “working too hard and lost the ability to adjust to the outside world, even in many cases to their own family,” says Dr. Toru Sekiya, a Japanese expert in workplace psychiatry.

A similar form of this has been styled “holiday neurosis”. The key symptom here is irritation on holidays from not doing anything. These work devotees are driven by compulsion to work, and are unable to find peace of mind on days off. If you find yourself pacing around the house like a caged animal, or find relief on Monday when it is time to go off to the office, you may be a sufferer.

Seasonal Affected Disorder or SAD is an often-overlooked form of depression. This has also been labeled ‘winter depression’. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says SAD occurs when there is either a lack or excess of the hormone melatonin in the sufferer’s body. (Recently, researchers have suggested that the issue may not be the level of melatonin in the body, but how a lack of light might disrupt the production cycle of melatonin.) The solution to this form of depression may simply be sitting under a bright lamp.

While myths still linger regarding depression, and the forecast calls for more of it, experts continue to delve deeper into the subject. In the meantime there are common sense methods that offer some relief. Balance is key. Balance at work, at home, in your personal goals and relationships. Laughter, exercise, proper sleep and nutrition are the fundamentals of healthy living. If the blues continue to overshadow your daily life, a visit to a healthcare professional made be wise.