# The Importance of Addressing Men's Depression: A Call to Action
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Understanding Depression in Men
For much of my life, I have been deeply concerned about the issue of depression. My journey began at a young age when my father, overwhelmed by his inability to support our family, attempted to take his own life. Although he survived, the aftermath changed our family dynamics forever. He was placed in a mental institution, where the treatments he received only exacerbated his struggles, leading to his eventual escape.
While advancements have been made in mental health treatment since that time, there remains significant room for improvement. Thomas Insel, M.D., former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, emphasizes the systemic issues in our healthcare delivery in his recent book, Healing: Our Path From Mental Illness to Mental Health.
During a presentation in Portland, Oregon, in 2015, I was confronted with the harsh reality of mental health challenges. A father, desperate for help for his son who faced multiple hospitalizations and homelessness, challenged me with the stark question: "What are you doing to extinguish this fire?" This encounter underscored the urgent need for effective mental health services for men and their families.
In this series of articles, I will delve into the complexities of men's mental health, explore our ambitious "Moonshot Mission for Mankind," and share my commitment to addressing the urgent issues affecting men's health.
My Journey into Men's Health
Growing up, I often reflected on my father's struggles and vowed to break the cycle of despair. When my son, Jemal, was born in 1969, I promised to be a different kind of father, dedicated to fostering a healthier world for men.
In 1970, I founded MenAlive, focusing on the prevention and treatment of male depression. My initial book, Inside Out: Becoming My Own Man, detailed my experiences in a mental hospital and my desire to assist those grappling with depression and associated challenges such as substance abuse. I also began sharing my personal battles with depression.
Depression affects everyone, yet it manifests differently in men and women. My wife, Carlin, sought treatment for her depression, and I observed how she internalized her feelings, often expressing sadness, while my own struggle was characterized by outward irritability and anger.
I explored these differences further in my books, The Irritable Male Syndrome and Male vs. Female Depression. In one section titled "Depression Unmasked: His and Hers," I stated, "Many men are unaware of their depression, while others fear displaying it, equating emotional struggles with weakness."
Research by John Lynch, Ph.D., and Christopher Kilmartin, Ph.D., highlights that societal expectations often lead men to deny their emotions, seeking solutions externally rather than addressing their inner turmoil. Terrence Real, author of I Don’t Want to Talk About It, notes that hidden depression in men can lead to various societal problems, including violence and substance abuse.
The stark reality is that male depression often goes undetected, contributing to alarmingly high suicide rates—four times greater than those of females. This discrepancy grows with age, with older men facing even higher risks.
The Moonshot Mission for Mankind
With over fifty years of experience in gender medicine and men's health, I launched the "Moonshot Mission for Mankind" in November 2021. This initiative aims to unify efforts to improve men's health globally.
Research conducted by Randolph Nesse, M.D., and Daniel Kruger, Ph.D., revealed that men consistently face higher mortality rates than women across various countries. Their findings indicate that if male mortality rates could align with those of females, it would significantly reduce male deaths and improve overall health outcomes.
The Moonshot Mission aims to connect individuals and organizations dedicated to decreasing male mortality and promoting health. Emphasizing the importance of understanding, treating, and preventing depression is vital to achieving this mission.
In our recent gatherings, we convened experts in the field, including Riane Eisler, Michael Gurian, and Lisa Hickey, to brainstorm strategies for enhancing men's health and wellbeing. This year, we plan to expand our outreach through webinars and training sessions.
Addressing Male Depression: A Comprehensive Approach
There exists a significant misunderstanding regarding depression, particularly among men. While some equate it with mere sadness, others recognize it as a serious condition that can severely impact health and quality of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies depression as a leading cause of disability, affecting approximately 280 million individuals globally and resulting in over 700,000 suicides annually. Despite numerous treatment options, few initiatives focus on curing or preventing depression.
True healing entails restoring overall health, whereas treatment typically leads to improvement. Prevention is about fostering an environment where depression is rare and easily addressed.
In this series, we will explore the intricacies of male depression, highlighting not only its impact on individual men but also on their families. We will examine the underlying causes and identify regions where depression is virtually absent, proposing a novel approach to understanding, treating, curing, and preventing this pervasive issue.
Join us in this critical conversation and help us work towards a healthier future for men and their families.
About the Author
Jed Diamond, Ph.D., is the founder and director of MenAlive, a health program dedicated to promoting men's wellbeing. While focused on men's health, MenAlive also serves women concerned about the health of the men in their lives. He is the author of 17 books, including My Distant Dad: Healing the Family Father Wound. Since 1992, he has been on the Board of Advisors for the Men’s Health Network and is a founding member of the American Society of Men’s Health. You can find more about his work at MenAlive.com.