
Depression is a mental condition where men and women both feel low mentally and suffer from stress and other mental issues arising from depression. Clinically men and women both suffer from similar kind of feelings from depression. There is a debate about the statistics of depression in men and women. It is believed that depression is more common in women than men no matter what the environment, social cause or the race is. More number of women are diagnosed and treated for depression than men though men may react to depression more differently than women. Depression may be short term or long term and the treatment and medication depends totally on the person’s mental condition.

Symptoms of depression in men
Men express depression differently than women though both share very similar symptoms. They mostly suffer:
- Fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Frustration
- Feelings of irritation
- Loss of concentration
- Lack of sound sleep
- Lack of interest in work and social activities
- Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
- Feelings of guilt

Just like all illnesses, depression too comes in different forms. They are major depression, dysthymia and bipolar disorder.
Major Depression
This is a combination of different symptoms that disrupts work, study, sleep and interferes with ones ability to enjoy. An incident of major depression might occur rarely or many times in a lifetime, there is no set pattern. Chronic depression may need continued treatment in an individual.

Dysthymia
This is less severe form of depression that may be long lasting but do not seriously disable normal functioning of the individual. Many people suffering from this experience may suffer major depression at some point in their life.
Bipolar disorder
Bipolar disorder is also known as manic depression. With bipolar depression one feels severe mood changes like severe highs and severe lows with bouts of normal mood in-between. Sometimes the mood may change to rapid and dramatic. While depressed the person can feel any or all the symptoms associated with depression. During the manic depression cycle the person could be over talkative, overactive, and be high on energy levels too. The manic stage affects thinking and social etiquettes that could cause embarrassment and problems socially. Mania if not treated on time can lead to a serious psychotic stage that may lead to difficulty in controlling hence treatment on time for mental depression is a must.

Treatment of depression for men
Women seek treatment more openly. Men most often try and divert their attention to different activities. Some turn to alcohol and drugs. Some also engage in irrational behavior as a way of coping with depression.

Some treatment options for men suffering from depression are:
- Psychotherapy, counseling or attending a support group
- Psychotherapeutic work can be done individual or on group basis. The group therapy helps you associate with other people who are suffering from the same symptoms. Feelings of isolation decreases when ones sees other people suffering from the same symptoms.
- There are antidepressant medications available to treat depression specifically. If one route of medication does not work, a different type can be prescribed till positive results are obtained.
- If there is any emergency or for some kinds of depression, ECT or (Electroconvulsive therapy) may be suggested by the physician.

Before starting on medication, one must consult the physician about any side effects that may be experienced during the treatment. Antidepressants may cause mild and temporary side effects and in rare cases may be adverse too. Typically these are more annoying and uncomfortable but not really very serious. In any case, if unusual reactions are felt, it must be reported to the doctor or physician immediately. The most common side effects of antidepressants are:

- Headache, it is usually temporary
- Nausea
- Sleeplessness and nervousness
- Agitation or feeling jittery
- Sexual problems like lowered libido
Any illness treated on time will have the best results