"Research and clinical findings reveal that women and men may talk differently -- or in the case of men, not talk -- about the symptoms of depression," said Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola M.D., Ph.D., Visiting Professor of Clinical Internal Medicine and Director of the Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of California, Davis, and member of the National Advisory Mental Health Council. "Traditional gender roles in the Latino community may further contribute to an unwillingness to talk about feelings of depression."
The new materials include publications and broadcast and print public service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish. The PSAs feature Rodolfo Palma-Lulin, a recent college graduate who shared his experience with depression in the hopes of encouraging other Latino men to talk about their depression and seek treatment.
"It took me years to understand that what I was experiencing was depression. Getting help made such an improvement in my life," said Pablo-Lulin. "I hope the Real Men Real Depression campaign will help other Latino men recognize depression in themselves and have the courage to ask for help."
Men with depression, regardless of ethnic background, may be more likely to turn to alcohol or drugs, or to become frustrated, angry or irritable instead of acknowledging their feelings and asking for help. Some men may throw themselves compulsively into their work or hobbies, attempting to hide their depression from themselves, family, and friends; other men may respond to depression by engaging in reckless behavior.
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Contact: Jennifer Loukissas
nimhpress@nih.gov
301-443-4536
NIH/National Institute of Mental Health
11-Oct-2005