Back to Specialty Areas Gender Differences The statistics identify women as more commonly being diagnosed with depression, but men may equally suffer from depression. The difference may be in how each gender responds to the feelings of depression. American men are generally socialized not to express sadness, pain, and hurt where as it is more socially acceptable for women to express sadness, pain, and hurt. Women are more likely to seek others, including psychotherapists, for emotional support. Men are more likely to look internally for the same kind of support. However, just because men display the signs of depression differently from women, they are just as susceptible to the pitfalls of experiencing depression. Reading There have been many books written on depression, but save yourself time and money and read just one: The Depression Book. Prevalence One out of five people will suffer from a serious bout of depression. Depression is marked by low energy levels, lethargy, lack of interest, alienation or hibernation from people, change in appetite.  Some people experience some degree of depression as a result of changing seasonal and weather patterns.  This is called seasonal affective disorder. What Is Depression? Depression often feels like a downward spiral that, should it continue, can lead to feelings of utter hopelessness and despair. These can trigger suicidal thoughts. When depressed, asking for help can seem impossible to do, but it is also the most important step towards reversing the downward spiral. Healing Medication is often prescribed by doctors to patients suffering with depression, but it is not the only way and should always be supplemented with psychotherapy. Understanding how depression affects you, its roots, and how to manage the symptoms is an integral part of healing and long-term self-care. Psychotherapy can greatly increase a person’s self-awareness and self-compassion. Psychotherapy is an effective way of doing this.