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A
ccording to the National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH), 6.7 % of adults in the United
States suffer from depression each year. Some
16.5% of adults will experience depression during their
lifetime. While women are 70% more likely to experience
depression, it is a significant illness among men as well,
including African-American men.
Depression can often go undetected in men as the pressure
to be strong, stigmatization of emotion, lack of culturally
sensitive mental health services, and other factors keep
many men from seeking help. African-Americans suffering
with depression seek treatment at a lower rate than Whites
and Hispanics, according to the NIMH. Although some
may minimize the significance of depression, the reality is
that if left untreated, depression can lead to death. More
than 90% of individuals who die by suicide suffer from
depression or other mental disorder.
Keny Felix, Ph.D.
RECOGNIZING
AND
TREATING
DEPRESSION
IN
MEN