Depression in gay men is three times higher than in the general adult population.
The good news is that depression is treatable. Talking to a Depression Counsellor who specialises in working with gay men can help.
Depression is a common mental health condition, and sadly even more common in gay men. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. It can affect our thoughts, emotions and behaviour.
The intensity of depression ranges from mild to severe and can impact any gay men regardless of their age, job, social status, sex appeal, race or background.
It is important to understand that depression is a medical condition and is not a sign of weakness or lack of willpower in gay men.
Sometimes gay men may find it difficult to differentiate between experiencing depression from the normal everyday highs and lows of life. If you are feeling persistently sad, hopeless or have a sense of despair, seek professional help. Your Doctor would be a good start, and they may recommend a mental health professional, such as a depression counsellor specialising in gay men.
Depression affects everyone differently. If you are experiencing more than one of the symptoms listed, then depending on the intensity and duration, it will give you an indication of whether or not you may be suffering from depression.
Symptoms of depression can present themselves in three ways, psychological, physical and social. Psychological symptoms include feeling tearful, guilty, anxious, irritable, or hopeless. It may also include losing motivation and interest in activities you once enjoyed as well as thinking about harming yourself.
Physical symptoms include aches and pains that can't be explained, losing your appetite, having disturbed sleep as well as losing interest in sex. Social symptoms may also be present. These may include withdrawing from spending time with friends, struggling to concentrate at work and difficulties with your family relationships.
There are lots of different reasons why depression manifests itself. There is no one specific cause.
For some people, depression can be triggered by a major life event. For example bereavement, redundancy, illness or money worries. A combination of these events can trigger a downward spiral.
Depression in gay men however, may develop as a result of specific reasons relating to sexuality. Some gay men may experience discrimination or bulying. Others may be having an internal battle with their sexuality and struggling to "come out" for fear of not being accepted. Or, it may be an HIV daignosis that they are finding hard to cope with.
When we feel low or depressed, it is natural to want to alleviate these feelings as quickly as possible. It is no coincidence that gay men have higher rates of dependency for alcohol and drugs than the general adult population. Alcohol and drugs increase levels of levels of depression and increase the likely hood of engaging in risky behaviour.
When we are depressed we can begin to feel a sense of hopelessness. A sense that we will never feel any better than we do now, and that we are beyond help. The good news is that a counsellor can help treat depression through talking therapy.
A gay therapist "gets" and understands what it is like being a gay man, and this can help you explore, unpack and process upsetting memories and traumatic experiences. This is possible by providing a confidential, safe and non-judgemental space, which for too many gay men has being lacking in their lives.
Therapy will help you understand the causes of your depression. It will enable you to develop new tools and strategies so that you can better cope and manage the unique challenges you face.
When we experience depression, life can feel impossible. Everyday tasks and activities, which normally we would not think twice about, can can feel overwhelming. It is a times like this when you need to give yourself permission to be kind to yourself. Below are 5 tips you may find helpful:
Be gentle with yourself...
Keep it simple...
Get active...
Reduce, limit, or avoid exposure to...
Source: American Journal of Mens Health 2017
Source: DJSResearch 2015
Source: DJSResearch 2015
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Call Ben on 0203 633 4165 or email him info@benedicts.org.