The latest research shows that depression within the gay male community has grown considerably in scope in recent years. A recent survey showed that as much as 24% of gay men have tried to commit suicide while 54% have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past. This has been an ongoing problem within the gay community as men struggle with abuse and with their own internal feelings concerning their sexuality. In this latest post we’ll address depression in gay men and look at how men can find the help they need to ensure a healthy emotional life for the future. Read more
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The latest research shows that childhood trauma is linked to anxiety, depression, and relationship issues in adulthood. Early childhood issues may impact the functionality of brain structures such as the hippocampus and alter neurobiological mechanisms that manage stress responses. This research highlights the importance of addressing childhood problems once you’ve reached adulthood and of working with a therapist to resolve long-standing challenges. Read more
Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and vastly rewarding experiences an individual can encounter. It’s also emotionally and physically overwhelming and at times a little daunting, especially in the early days. Men in particular also feel a heightened (if not scary) sense of responsibility when their family grows, which can create stress.
New fatherhood is a time of profound change. In the instant you become a parent, your responsibility increases; the dynamic of your relationship with your partner shifts and this transition from childless to family happens very quickly. Therapy can help you process these changes and prepare you with the skills you need to cope and to flourish in your new role as a father.
Depression is an illness, complete with physical, mental, social and emotional symptoms. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, depression affects approximately 6.7 percent of the U.S population over 18 in a given year.
You may be already aware of what depression looks like and what it feels like, especially if you or someone you love suffers from it. But what you may not know are some of the common causes of depression. Depression is caused by a variety (or combination of) factors, including physical, genetic and life experience influences.
What may sound like a bit of a tongue twister is actually a very simple and effective psychotherapy method that uses the theories and practices of analytical psychology. It is also sometimes referred as psychodynamic therapy.
These practices allow patients to understand and acknowledge their problems by making them more aware of their inner mind workings and how it relates to their relationships and other important mental factors. This psychotherapy is also sometimes referred to as “talk therapy” because the nature of the treatment is to talk and discuss the issues at hand.
Depression is not something that hits you like a dump truck, but rather creeps into your mind slowly, eventually affecting your mind, body, spirit, and ultimately those around you. Depression can feel like mental and physical quicksand pulling you into a black hole and leaves you feeling like there is nothing you can do to stop it.
If you suffer from depression, here are five warning signs that may help you identify the symptoms, and how they affect your relationships with others. Symptoms of depression and the effects they have on relationships are also cyclical, which means the worse the relationship becomes, the worse the symptoms of depression become, and vice versa.
The ways in which depression affects men is typically different from how it affects women. Some of the ways that depression affects men differently are that men tend to blame others for their troubles, have feelings of anger or irritability, and become defensive, suspicious, and guarded.
Recently, The Dr. Harry Fisch Show discussed how men are affected by depression and what some of the leading causes of male depression are. His guest was Joseph LaFleur, who offered some great insight on the topic. Pointedly he discusses how relationships are the number one cause of depression in men, and feelings of loneliness within those relationships are a major factor affecting men’s mental health.
Depression is a medical condition that causes a wide array of symptoms, and while many people are familiar with the emotional and behavioral effects, fewer people realize the extent to which depression can affect the physical body.
However, there are several physical symptoms of depression, including dizziness and feeling lightheaded, aches, sleep disruptions, digestive issues, and exhaustion. Not everyone will experience all the physical effects, but knowing what they are can help make a proper diagnosis, and can help you understand and cope with symptoms that you or a loved one are experiencing. Read more
When people talk about depression, they’re usually referring to a single variety of the disorder that’s marked by extreme sadness and feelings of hopelessness. However, there are actually several types of depression, all of which have unique causes, effects, and symptoms. Understanding them can help you get a proper diagnosis, and can help you understand the disease better. The eight most common types of depression are:
- Major depression
- Bipolar Disorder
- Dysthymia
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Psychotic Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Atypical Depression
- Antenatal and Postnatal Depression
How do you spot depression in men?
You haven’t quite been feeling yourself lately.
It’s hard to put your finger on…but something is off.
Are you tired, overworked, stressed?
Or could it be something longer-lasting and more damaging?
Could you be depressed?
Are you suffering from symptoms of depression?
Is it time?
Is it time to take that first step, make that phone call, or send that email?
Is it time to talk about how you’ve been feeling?
Is it time to see a therapist?
We know that as many as 59 million Americans see a therapist each year, at least according to Psychology Today.
Clearly, many people are feeling down, anxious, or suffer from symptoms of depression.
What’s important for you, however, is that these people decided to do something about it.
They said, “I’m tired of feeling this way, I’m tired of putting up with this all the time!”
After that they scheduled an appointment with a therapist and started to talk about their life, their feelings, and what it is that’s bothering them.
You should do the same.
Lots of men get depressed.
In fact, more than 6 million men a year get depressed in this country according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Are you one of those 6 million?
If you are, there are a variety of ways to deal with depression. Some of these include:
- Educating yourself
- Social support
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapy talking sessions
- Medications
Joseph LaFleur & Associates
Washington, DC Therapists – Psychotherapy, Counseling for Men, Depression & Anxiety, LGBTQ, Trauma, and PTSD
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