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Although it may be that fewer men than women may have MDD, at any one time at least 2-3% of men are affected by it. MDD in men is just as serious a problem. In fact, although more women attempt suicide, the rate of completed suicide is four times higher in men. As compared to women, men are less likely to admit to having the symptoms of MDD, and doctors are less likely to ask men about depression. Depressed men are more likely to say that they feel irritable, angry, and discouraged, rather than describe themselves as hopeless and helpless or sad. This may be one of the reasons why depression is harder to recognize in men as compared to women.
Even when men know that they're depressed, men may be less likely to ask for help. Men often attempt to deal with their depression by working all the time or by abusing alcohol or drugs. Sometimes it takes the encouragement and support of concerned family members and friends to convince men that depression as a real medical illness and that effective treatments are available.
Sylvie, Bilingual Health Educator
