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Men, Suicide and Depression
The recent suicide of comedian Richard Jeni (49), who his family has stated suffered with depression, should be a warning about the seriousness of suicide and depression in men. We are often told that women suffer more depression than men, but that may not be the entire case.
Statistics show that men over the age of 65 kill themselves at triple the rate for younger men and they are eight times more likely than women in the same group to commit suicide. Jeni wasn't in that age group and that leads to increased concern about younger men and their severe, untreated depression which leads them to think this is the only way out of their pain.
Brad Delp, the lead singer of the band, Boston, who was 55, committed suicide recently, too. In notes left for his fiancee, family and friends, he indicated he had lost the will to live. What happened to make him feel that way? No one will ever know.
Two of the most famous suicide cases were those of Kurt Cobain, a rock star musician, who at the age of 27 killed himself and Ernest Hemingway who committed suicide at age 61. For Hemingway, depression ran in his family and both his father and one granddaughter committed suicide.
The question for men may not be so much suicide, but depression and the inability to deal with it. Depression has often been seen as a form of "weakness" and male tradition holds that "real men" don't eat quiche or see mental health professionals. Instead, they engage in physical activities, use alcohol and drugs or a lifestyle that is near to suicidal in its excesses.
The National Institute of Health has an important, free publication on depression that can be downloaded from their website and additional information, aimed specifically at men is also available.
The risk of suicide can be great when depression goes without treatment. Seeking treatment is one of the surest signs of strength in the face of an awful enemy.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: men's health, depression, suicide, mental health, Richard Jeni, Kurt Cobain, Brad Delp
Statistics show that men over the age of 65 kill themselves at triple the rate for younger men and they are eight times more likely than women in the same group to commit suicide. Jeni wasn't in that age group and that leads to increased concern about younger men and their severe, untreated depression which leads them to think this is the only way out of their pain.
Brad Delp, the lead singer of the band, Boston, who was 55, committed suicide recently, too. In notes left for his fiancee, family and friends, he indicated he had lost the will to live. What happened to make him feel that way? No one will ever know.
Two of the most famous suicide cases were those of Kurt Cobain, a rock star musician, who at the age of 27 killed himself and Ernest Hemingway who committed suicide at age 61. For Hemingway, depression ran in his family and both his father and one granddaughter committed suicide.
The question for men may not be so much suicide, but depression and the inability to deal with it. Depression has often been seen as a form of "weakness" and male tradition holds that "real men" don't eat quiche or see mental health professionals. Instead, they engage in physical activities, use alcohol and drugs or a lifestyle that is near to suicidal in its excesses.
The National Institute of Health has an important, free publication on depression that can be downloaded from their website and additional information, aimed specifically at men is also available.
The risk of suicide can be great when depression goes without treatment. Seeking treatment is one of the surest signs of strength in the face of an awful enemy.
Related Topics:
Technorati Tags: men's health, depression, suicide, mental health, Richard Jeni, Kurt Cobain, Brad Delp
Labels: depression
