THE Y CHROMOSOME ISN'T IMMUNE
Depression is a major but manageable (and curable) mental health disorder that can impact any man, no matter how healthy a lifestyle he lives. In fact, over 6 million American men struggle with depression each year.
Male depression is underdiagnosed, undertreated
Depression doesn’t come from weakness or a moral shortcoming. It's some complex result of uncontrollable changes in brain chemistry due to your environment, personal history, genes, and physical health. Nevertheless, male depression persists because:
While it’s less taboo now, depression is still hard to admit to. You may be hesitant to share your feelings with family, friends, romantic partners, or admit them to yourself. This is true for depression even in mental-health friendly areas like D.C. and Arlington.
Not wanting to get mental health treatment. Even if you suspect you have depression and others are encouraging you to get help, you may not want to be diagnosed or treated. We think sharing our depression will make others think less of us and solidify us a depressed, when it’s typically the opposite. Sharing our feelings not only signals others we need help in some moments (because we all do, at some point) it's also therapeutic to air out your feelings.
Male Depression Symptoms:
Depression symptoms can manifest differently between men and women. Researchers haven’t come to a strong consensus on how depression uniquely affects men, but these differences could be due to brain chemistry, hormones and life experiences, as well as the traditional male role, which pushes men toward success and away from anything resembling failure.
Just like women, men with depression may:
Feel sad, hopeless or empty.
Feel very tired.
Have a hard time sleeping or sleep too much.
Not get pleasure from activities usually enjoyed.
Other behaviors in men that could be symptoms of depression include:
Problems getting along with others, including your spouse or partner and other family members.
Escapist behavior, such as spending a lot of time at work or online gaming.
Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive problems and pain.
Problems with alcohol, Zyn, vaping or other drug use.
Irritability or anger that gets out of control.
Many forms of risky behavior, such as reckless driving and sexual promiscuity
Get Professional Support for Depression
Asking for help can be hard as a man. Without treatment, depression typically doesn’t go away quickly (if at all), and in fact it tends to get worse. Think of not taking an antibiotic for bacterial infection. Untreated depression can make your life experience just miserable, and the people close to you miserable. It takes a toll on your health, career, how well you get along with others and personal safety.
I know that might be hard to believe now if you’re in a depressed headspace, but research shows depression, even if it's moderate or severe, usually gets better with medication and counseling (for maximal effect, ideally both concurrently). It's a sign of strength to ask for advice or seek help when you need it - even if I’m not the right fit for you, I urge you to find a therapist who is. Your future happier, healthier self will thank you.
Starting Therapy is easy
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Get in touch by filling out this quick form here.
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We’ll schedule a time to chat and make sure we’re a great fit.
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Start therapy and begin feeling more at ease and confident in your life.
Hi I’m Ben, a business operations manager turned therapist
Chances are I used to (and sometimes still do) feel similarly anxious like you do. Prior to counseling, I worked full-time in operations for nearly 10 years at companies like Uber and Gartner. During this time I was often exhausted, disconnected, and anxiously wondering if I’d ever find work that actually mattered to me. It took some proverbial soul-searching, but I finally figured out one of my core gifts is to find gifts in others.
So I switched gears, scaled back from full-time to contracting work in operations, went to school for counseling and put some blind faith in the universe that things would work out, even if I didn’t know when or how.
Now, as a licensed mental health professional, I work with 20 and 30 year old men like you to help you uncover what you really want, shift your mindset, and set intentional goals to create a life you actually look forward to. If there’s even the smallest part of you whispering “Enough - I’m ready to change” I’ve got the tools, structure, and support to help you make it happen. Let’s take a shot at building a life you’re genuinely excited about.
★★★★★
“I can’t recommend highly Ben enough.
His unique blend of thoughtfulness, passion, and sense of humor creates an environment where healing feels both accessible and uplifting.”
- Julia Slatkin, Psychologist, PHD
Get relief from your depression
Other services I provide
If you’re experiencing other symptoms besides depression, I provide treatments for multiple types of anxiety ( including social anxiety and existential identity) online statewide in Virginia or in-person at my private office near the Ballston Metro and just a 15-30-minute drive from D.C. and Bethesda. If you’re man struggling with depression or another mental health issue, I would love to chat with you today about the ways I can support your growth in all areas of life!