Depression often leads to suicide in men

Depression often leads to suicide in men.

(23.08.2010) In Germany, women suffer from depression more often than men, but the suicide rate for men is around three times higher. Of the approximately 9,500 suicides in Germany each year, about 7,000 are committed by men.

The chief physician of the Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics at the Bayreuth district hospital, Professor Manfred Wolfersdorf, came to this conclusion in a now published article in the "Apotheken Umschau“. "The positive ability of women to complain about their complaints is mostly poorly developed in men over the age of 50," continued Professor Wolfersdorf.

Men tend to seek medical attention for bodily ailments, even though the causes of their illness are of a spiritual nature. Headaches, abdominal pain or prolonged fatigue are therefore often the reason for the visit to the doctor. If the diagnosis is still depression, this is doubly problematic for many men, because they suffer on the one hand from the effects and on the other hand the traditional image of the "strong man" are arrested. Emotions do not fit into this classic understanding of roles and problems are primarily solved alone. This explains why many of you do not receive the necessary support in the treatment and the despair prevails. The result: an enormously high suicide rate in depressed men.

If men also have to pay for the family income as their sole source of income, depression is becoming increasingly common, especially in economically tense times. The job pressure with fear of failure, but also the fear of unemployment and financial worries solve a kind „Constant stress“ which can lead to severe depression, especially in persons with a genetic predisposition or psychological stress (due to unprocessed events in their own life history).

The World Health Organization estimates that over one million people die every year, and the German Society for Suicide Prevention calls suicide one of the leading causes of death in Germany. In about two-thirds of cases, a depressive illness is the cause of suicide.

For the early detection of a depressive illness in the literature numerous symptoms are listed, which can range from changes in facial expressions, gestures and voice on changing physical complaints to weight loss, conspicuous concentration disorders and chronic discomfort. Often accompanied by an extremely negative and pessimistic view of one's own life situation, which is eg. For example, about statements such as: „ I will not feel like it soon!“ articulates

Here the fellow human beings are requested not only to register such changes but to question them patiently in an open conversation. In any case, the problems of those affected should be taken seriously, even if the scenarios presented may seem a bit too dramatic to the listener. In addition, professional support is needed in every case, although a little tact is required here in order to convince the patient of the need for treatment. The cautious indication of existing concrete offers of help as well as the initial contact with supporting institutions, are approaches to help depressive persons in overcoming their illness. The internet also provides a wealth of information on depression and suicidality, including lists of regional self-help groups and crisis services. (Fp)

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