On the topic of depression occurring in men.

1. TODAY • Tuesday • May 22, 2007 41
Health
In collaboration with:
But unlike women, men are not individuals to recognise these thoughts,
challenge them and replace them with more
likely to admit they feel that way realistic and accurate ones.
or seek help for their condition In cases of mild depression, exercise
JOANNE YAP may help chase the blues away. Dr Tay ad-
joanne@mediacorp.com.sg vised those with depression to talk about
their condition, spend time with others,
DURING his days in the army, product sup- keep active, write down the thoughts that
port coordinator Adrian Tan* caved under trouble them and be patient with them-
the pressure and stress of life in a camp and selves as recovery is seldom achieved
succumbed to depression. overnight.
One of his officers suggested that he
consult a psychiatrist, who prescribed anti- For more information about male
depressants to help Adrian cope with his depression, call the Institute of Mental
condition. But due to the lack of funds, the Health at 6389 2833.
medication dried up after his army days.
“I turned to taking off-the-counter cough *Name has been changed at the
syrup, as it was the only drug I knew that request of interviewee.
was cheap and sleep inducing. Over the
years, the dosages I took increased, but it
still didn’t help my condition,” Adrian said.
Contrary to the popular belief that de-
pression mostly affects women, the reality
is that men also suffer from it. In fact,
40 per cent of men aged between 40 and
60 will experience some degree of de-
pression.
Dr Tay Woo Kheng, senior consultant
at the Division of Psychological Medicine
at Changi General Hospital, explained:
“The core symptoms of depression, such
The men do get it
as having a depressed mood, a lack of ca-
MCT
pacity for pleasure and enjoyment, negative
thinking and suicidal thoughts, are expe- and loss of will or verbalise an intention to
rienced by all patients regardless of sex.” SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION hurt themselves. As a result, their de-
The triggers of depression might be • Restlessness and irritability pression is hidden from caring friends,
• Persistent melancholy, anxiety
many and often include a combination of en- family members and associates who might
• Loss of enjoyment in normal activities
vironmental, genetic and psychological fac- • Feelings of hopelessness insist that they seek help.”
tors. But while these causes are not un- • Decreased energy, fatigue According to Dr Tay, men’s reticence
common among men and women who fall • Difficulty concentrating; could stem from societal and cultural ex-
into depression, the similarity ends there. making decisions pectations put on them to fit a certain
While women tend to be more open • Loss of appetite or overeating. mould — to be in control, tough and suc-
about discussing their condition and seek- • Thoughts of death or suicide cessful in dealing with adversities.
ing help, men often act out their feelings “Thus, men often restrain their emo-
of hopelessness and helplessness instead, depression through hostility, irritability or tions. They do not express their depression
through anger or working long hours. aggression. “Men tend to cope with their de- freely or ask for help, as this is perceived
In Adrian’s case, he shied away from pressed feelings by drinking, taking drugs or as a sign of weakness.”
those around him, preferring to be on his engaging in risky activities like dangerous Treatments for depression include an-
own. “I find it difficult to communicate sports.They might even attempt suicide.” tidepressant therapy, medication or psy-
what I’m feeling to others, so I don’t share As many as 80 per cent of people who chotherapy, which involves counselling. In
my thoughts very often. When I felt down, seek help for depression find relief through addition, cognitive therapy (a form of psy-
I kept to myself instead.” therapy or medication, but the problem re- chotherapy) may also help in treating mild
The symptoms of depression that man- mains that not many men come forward. to moderate cases.
ifest in men are different from those typi- Dr Chua Hong Choon, senior con- Those who are depressed tend to have
cally diagnosed in women and are hence sultant, head of general psychiatry de- a pessimistic outlook on life — and these
harder to recognise and diagnose. partment at the Institute of Mental Health, negative thoughts become automatic and
According to Dr Tay, men tend to show said: “Men don’t usually cry, show sadness habitual over time. Therapy aims to get
HEALTHLISTINGS
EATING HEALTHILY FOR THE Date: May 26 Venue: HDB Hub, HDB Convention Centre
PREVENTION OF STROKE Time: 11am to 2pm Auditorium, Basement 1
Find out how to make healthy food choices Venue: KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Fee/Registration: Free. On-site registration
to reduce the risk of a stroke. Auditorium begins at 12.30pm.
Date: Today Fee/Registration: $8 per couple. Registration
Time: 1pm to 2pm required. Call 6394 1268. OSTEOPOROSIS
Venue: National University Hospital, Health Learn about the factors that put one at risk
Education Hub, Main Building 1, Level 1 IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME of osteoporosis and how it can be treated.
Fee/Registration: Free. Registration OR CANCER? Date: May 28
required. Call 6772 2184. Differentiate between the core symptoms of Time: 7pm to 8pm
irritable bowel syndrome and cancer for Venue: Wings Centre, Junction 8 Office
NUTURING YOUR CHILD earlier detection and prevention. Tower, Level 6, Unit 5
This talk features practical tips on parenting Date: May 26 Fee/Registration: $5 (members),
to prepare couples for the challenges of Time: 1pm to 3pm (English), 3pm to 5pm $8 (non-members). Registration required.
bringing up a child. (Mandarin) Call 62501012.