AEGIS Counseling & Psychological Services

17/06/2025

Men: A Different Depression
The month of June is men's mental health awareness month and we need beam the light on depression in men.
In men,depression can be a serious yet treatable condition. Around six million men suffer from depression each year. Men may be unlikely to admit to depressive symptoms and seek help.
Depression in men can manifest in ways that differ from common perceptions,often involving irritability,anger,and risk taking behaviors rather than just sadness. Physical symptoms like fatigue,digestive issues,and changes in appetite are also common.
While depression affects men at similar rates to women,they may be less likely to recognize or seek help for their symptoms,sometimes due to societal expectations about masculinity.
Depression in Men may go unrecognised due to the following factors:
* Masculinity norms (traditional views of masculinity may discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seek help for emotional distress.
* Focus on physical symptoms ( men may be more attuned to physical symptoms and pay less attention to the emotional aspects of depression which may potentially delay diagnosis and treatment)
*Self-medication (some men may turn to alcohol or substances to cope with their symptoms,further masking depression)

Seeking Help - Be aware of the various ways depression can manifest in men which includes physical symptoms and behavioural changes.
Let us encourage open and honest conversations about mental health with men,creating safe space for them to express their feelings.
As a man,endeavour to build and maintain strong social connections. Friends and family can offer support and encouragement during difficult time.
If you or someone you know is struggling with depression,please reach out for help.
'smentalhealthawareness

's

14/02/2024

12/01/2024

Guilt and shame are common reactions to moments when we do something that doesn’t reflect who we want to be.

But while guilt is focused on a specific misdeed (and sparks the possibility for us to make amends next time), shame is a very different animal. Linked to the feeling of disgust, shame focuses on our character. Shame casts one as a human being who is bad, rather than a human being who did a bad thing.

Our internal narrative becomes incriminating, overwhelmingly negative, and unkind:
“I’m such a jerk. I’m so unkind. No one should be friends with me.”

Shame doesn’t leave any space for breathing, forgiveness, or growth. We need to wrap ourselves in a hug of self-compassion in these moments. We need to say to ourselves, “That wasn’t a kind thing to say, but it doesn’t mean you, as a person, are destined to be unkind. You can apologize. You can do better next time. I believe in you.”