When a family member suffers from depression, it's difficult for the entire family. It's recommended that the family participate in family therapy to deal with the effects that depression has on each family member. Male depression is different from female depression, because men are more likely to commit suicide, partake in risky behaviors, use drugs and alcohol to cope and try to hide the feelings of depression.
Irritability
Depression is more likely to make men feel irritable rather than sad. He might snap at his children, start arguments with his wife and cause conflict at work. Family members might not be aware that the cause of this person's feelings is depression. Many people see depression as someone being deeply sad, but that isn't always true. Family members might not recognize that they need to get help.
Craving Isolation
Many men struggling with depression feel they're weak for having depression and attempt to hide their feelings from friends and family members. This affects the family when the person struggling with depression isolates himself from the family. He might avoid family dinners, stay at work later and stop helping his children with homework in the evenings. Children have a hard time when a parent becomes emotionally and physically unavailable; often they blame themselves. If the man is married, his wife might begin to feel lonely, overwhelmed and frustrated.
Risky Behavior
Men are more likely to cope with depression by using alcohol and drugs, and engaging in risky behaviors such as gambling, driving recklessly or having unsafe sex. If family members know that their father, husband or son is doing these things, they are likely to be worried and have anxiety. They might also feel resentful and angry. For example, if a man gambles away the family's savings, his entire family would be affected. These behaviors destroy families, sometimes causing divorce. Risky behavior sometimes leads to serious injury or death. Men are more likely to commit suicide because of depression.
Resisting Treatment
Men sometimes feel that depression is a weakness and they are less likely than women to seek professional treatment for the disorder. They might feel guilty or ashamed and resist getting help. Not getting treatment can lead to the symptoms getting worse and families tearing apart.
