Human Resources

A lot of the time, depression seems to be thought of as a woman’s problem.  This theory is not unfounded, since the depression rate among women is nearly twice of what it is for men.  Recent studies have indicated, though, that men are just as likely to be depressed, if not more so.

The difference between the two sexes lies in the stage of life that the depression occurs: depression usually affects men in their 40s and 50s, while with women it normally occurs during the teenage years, as well as the twenties.

Male depression often goes unrecognized by themselves, colleagues, family, and even doctors.  This is due to differing symptoms from depressed women and a resistance of many men to seek help.

Listed below are some common symptoms men experience when suffering
from depression:

• Blaming of others
• Anger, irritability, ego inflation
• A tendency to create conflict
• Compulsiveness
• Becoming controlling
• Fear of failure
• Self-medicating through alcohol

Your Employee Assistance Program, administered by Magellan Health, has resources and experience to help you.

Resources:

• Visit www.magellanhealth.com or call 1-877-704-5696 for more information, referrals and support.
• Read more about SMU’s EAP Program on the BenefitsU website.

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Between families, careers, pregnancy, and menopause, a woman’s risk of developing depression is about twice of what it is for men.  Though changes in mood occur naturally with hormonal fluctuations, they alone do not cause depression.  Biological factors, inherited traits, and certain life experiences all contribute to depression in women.

For example, extreme hormonal changes during pregnancy increase a woman’s risk for developing depression. Lifestyle and work changes, mixed feelings about being pregnant, miscarriages, and infertility all have the potential to result in depression.  Also, about half of new mothers experience sadness, anger, and irritability soon after giving birth.  Known as the “baby-blues,” these feelings are normal and usually last about a week or two.  More serious and longer lasting symptoms may indicate postpartum depression.

When differentiating between the symptoms men experience when suffering from depression, be aware of the symptoms depressed women may exhibit:

• Feelings of sadness, apathy, or worthlessness
• Severe anxiety
• Avoiding conflict
• Sleeping longer than usual
• Withdrawal
• Self-medicating through food

Your Employee Assistance Program, provided by Magellan Health Services, has resources and experience to help you.

Resources:

• Learn more about SMU’s EAP program on the BenefitsU website.
• Visit www.magellanhealth.com or call 1-877-704-5696 for more information, referrals, and support.

Sign up for the HR Blog RSS feed and receive these messages immediately when published.

Three Rules for Dealing with Co-worker, Friend, and Family
Member Depression

Sometimes it’s hard to find the right words to say around someone who is going through a tough time. Whether it be a death in the family or a serious health condition such as depression, it’s important to learn how to be a supportive friend or family member through the good times and bad.  If someone you know is struggling with depression, take heed of the following “rules” to help you reach out to co-worker, friend, or family member.

Rule #1

Avoid phrases such as “snap out of it, it will pass, lighten up,” etc.  Repeating cliché’s such as these to a depressed person will frustrate them further.  Sufferers of depression realize that others cannot possibly understand what they are experiencing.  It is very difficult for others to identify with what’s going in someone else’s mind, much less someone with depression.  The depressed need people to identify with what they are experiencing.

Rule #2

Do not attempt to take control of the depressed person’s life.  Be careful of misconstruing a  depressed person’s feelings of frustration, ineptness, or isolation as laziness or a bad mood.  Offer gentle support and kind words instead of attempting to reconstruct the person’s life.

Rule #3

If a time comes when it’s necessary to offer advice to a depressed person, offer it in the form of options.  For example, a personal reference such as a new doctor, medicine, or support group is helpful.  Avoid encouraging the depressed to participate in activities.  Social situations and sports can create difficulties since energy and fatigue are often prevalent during depression.  Invite the person to participate in light exercise with you or by themselves (such as a long walk) every once in awhile.  Studies have shown that exercise helps alleviate symptoms of depression in some people.  However, know that it should not replace drugs or counseling.

Your Employee Assistance Program, Magellan Health, has resources and experience to help you with more information. Visit www.magellanhealth.com or call 1-877-704-5696 for more information, referrals and support.

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