Understanding Male Depression

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 6 million men and 12 million women in America are affected by depression each year. While it may seem that males are less affected by depression, researchers are trying to establish the variables with men and establish appropriate treatment for them.
Male depression may go undiagnosed for several reasons:

• Men are reluctant to discuss depressive symptoms.
• Men see mental illness as a threat to their masculinity.
• Men mask depressive symptoms with alcohol or substance abuse.
• Men resist mental health treatment due to concerns with the stigma that it could damage their career or lose respect of family and friends.

Symptoms of male depression include:

• Violent or abusive behavior
• Escapist behaviors of over involvement in a sport or work
• Inappropriate rage
• Risky behaviors
• Sexual liaisons
• Substance abuse
• Thoughts of suicide

Men are more likely to complete suicide because they use more lethal methods and display fewer warning signs before completing the act. If you have a man in your life that is displaying these symptoms ask him to seek help immediately. Treatment with a doctor or mental health provider can help him learn healthy coping skills to elevate his mood. He may also need the support from medication management. There are many effective treatments for depression so don't think you can tough it out. Seek help and enjoy life.

Best wishes,

Gina

Prioritize Your New Year

If you are like the millions of other Americans today there is never enough time in a day to do everything we would like to accomplish. This stress is causing a lot of health issues for people today, so learning how to prioritize your "To Do" list can be very helpful. Here is an idea to help you prioritize your busy life:

Three "D" Choice Method

• Dropping - Is this a priority? If not just drop it and move forward.
• Delaying - Does this have to be done now? If not put it on a list for later.
• Delegating - Must this be done by me personally? Then delegate it to the appropriate person.

Keep trying new ideas and you will find ways to maintain your self-care for a happy and healthy new year!

Warm regards,

Gina

New Year, New Resolutions

For many individuals 2008 will be a year to forget due to the war, gas prices, unemployment and companies downsizing or closing. The hardships for many people and families have been overwhelming. Unfortunately many people cope with their struggles with a variety of addictions. So no matter what your addiction might be drugs, gambling, shopping, smoking, or alcohol you can kick the unwanted habit this year with a little help.

New Harvard University states that since the brain responds to pleasurable experiences you have to break the pattern. Here are a few recommendations to help you to do that:

• Seek help and create a support system.
• Set a quit date.
• Change your enviroment by removing those reminders and temptations from your immediate area. That may mean you will need to make new friends if you enjoyed your addiction with your current relationships.
• Learn new skills and activities that you can replace with your addiction when you feel the urge.
• Review your past attempts at quitting. What worked, what didn't and what led you back to your old habits. Then make the appropriate changes.

These are simple strategies that work. So believe in yourself that you can live a healthy, happy life without your addiction in 2009.

Happy New Year

Gina