Many men define success by their job and size of their bank account. Yet economic changes can affect men in more ways than just their wallet. Experiencing a loss of job and a change in fortune could predispose men to depression, a mental illness that is a leading cause of disabilities, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
History
The Great Depression in the early 1930s and the great recession from 2008 into 2010 are marked by significant unemployment and loss of investments. During economic downturns, some men are able to find new jobs and renew their savings. Yet other men incur long-term unemployment and depletion of cash. Many can experience depression for the first time.
Depression
Depression is characterized by feelings of pessimism and hopelessness for weeks at a time, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A stressful situation, such as unemployment or debt, could trigger a depressive episode. Men with depression can experience fatigue, irritability and loss of interest in pleasurable activities. As depression progresses, men often consume alcohol or drugs, and engage in risky and reckless behaviors, even suicide.
Over 90 percent of suicides are among people with a diagnosable mental disorder, mostly depression. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women. Research published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health discovered that unemployed men have a 2.63 relative risk of suicide compared with employed men, meaning that their suicide risk is 2.63 times greater, and about half of this association is confounded by mental illness, such as depression.
Misconceptions
A common misperception is that men with depression are weak and incapable, according to an article entitled "The Mask of Male Depression." Depressed men often attribute their symptoms to low self-esteem and anger, rather than depression. Men are concerned about their image and being successful, powerful and competitive, and they are afraid to expose their feelings and vulnerabilities. Yet men are vulnerable to economic conditions including employment and financial strain.
Unemployment
Employment status contributes to a man's self-worth and mood. Research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology discovered that unemployment is a risk factor for depression in men that requires professional help, even in men without previous psychological vulnerability. Long periods of unemployment increase likelihood of depressive symptoms, according to research published in the "American Journal of Public Health."
Financial Strain
Research published in "Health Economics" found that the ratio of debts-to-assets is highly significant for men who are both above and below median income in their community. The research also demonstrates that both employment status and financial difficulty causes depression, whereas income alone does not. Yet, research published in the "Canadian Journal of Public Health" shows that the prevalence of depression among men with low income is significantly higher at 10.8 percent compared with 6.8 percent in the total male population.
References
- "Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health"; Unemployment and Suicide; Blakely, T.A.; Aug 2003
- Hopetocope: The Mask of Male Depression
- "International Journal of Epidemiology"; Unemployment Pre-Dates Depression in Men; Montgomery, S.M.; Feb 1999
- "American Journal of Public Health"; The Influence Unemployment Duration Depression Men; Mossakowski, K.N.; Oct 2009
- "Health Economics"; Socioeconomic Status, Depression Disparities, Financial Strain; Zimmerman, F.J.; Dec 2005
