re: Male Depression....is an epidemic

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gratitude.

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Is something that I envy Christians over. Being eternally grateful for literally the sun rising in the morning is a good mental status.

Unfortunately I don't have any interest in opening a bible.

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I'm tired of always saying or doing the wrong things and not being there in the right ways that the people I love need.

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Maybe the people you love are too needy and need to look at themselves more critically.

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And as you get older, you just get more tired.

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As you get older you can also learn to give less of a frick about things. I'm not saying be an a-hole but realize that every human being born on this planet is born to travel a certain road. And the life events and people that they encounter help move them along that road. Start focusing on yourself and the things that make you a happier, more productive person and then you are better able to help those around you. This is your journey to grow and learn. You get more introspective and you gain perspective on this life as you get older.

Life sucks, got to find an outlet. I hunt and fish, gets me out in nature and provides me a challenge to look forward too. Got to have a hobby you can immerse yourself in, it’s s secret of life.....

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This is exactly why this is a problem. This line of thinking prevents men from getting the help they need.

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Sounds like you are promoting masculine toxicity.


American men are the weakest right now than any point in this country’s history. Strong males have been replaced by moral males. It is sad.

Sorry if the OP has PTSD. Thank you for serving. Suck it up though.

I think a major cause of “depression” in men is due to feeling unfulfilled or unhappy with their career. I felt like I was not “living up to my potential” until recently when I re-entered my previous career. It’s the only job that I’ve ever had that I enjoyed and was proud to do.

So while my wife was convinced that I was suffering from depression, it was really me feeling like I had never reached my potential and it was killing my self esteem.

Since returning to being a professional pilot, I feel like a new man. My self esteem, outlook on life, optimism, and mood is completely different.

I probably had all of the signs of depression. I didn’t want to do things that I enjoyed, but many times it was because I couldn’t afford it. I didn’t want to talk to friends sometimes, but it was because I didn’t want to talk about how shitty my job/career were. I was ashamed that I was in the position I was in.

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Let me tell ya something. Nowadays, everybody’s gotta go to shrinks, and counselors, and go on “Sally Jessy Raphael” and talk about their problems. What happened to Gary Cooper? The strong, silent type. That was an American. He wasn’t in touch with his feelings. He just did what he had to do. See, what they didn’t know was once they got Gary Cooper in touch with his feelings that they wouldn’t be able to shut him up! And then it’s dysfunction this, and dysfunction that, and dysfunction vaffancul!

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Weekly confession reduces the need for seeing a counselor. Taking time once a week to say "I messed up", will keep one from straying too far off course. A counselor would be helpful when dealing with tragic events.
Consider joining an organization that helps others. when you help others you will begin to become more grateful. When you become more grateful you will become more joyful. When you become more joyful your depression will slowly disappear.
Maybe not completely, but it will decrease a lot. ...but it starts with helping others. You will receive far more than you give.
You may not even feel you have much to give or can give. If this is the case, then take a deep breath and give it a try.