Hyperbole and a Half: Adventures in Depression

Image: Hyperbole and a Half

Today's post is part of a Movember series in Men's Health Issues. A recap of a dozen issues I recently highlighted appears at the end of this post. Today's focus: depression

Did you know that a veteran takes his or her own life every 80 minutes? Suicide is on the rise among active duty and veteran service members. The military is disproportionately male, and men are more at risk for suicide.

Everyone feels down from time to time. This is part of the normal ebb and flow of life--of living as emotional beings. Depression is a very different thing from having the blues. If you have ever suffered from depression, or if you know anyone who is, or has ever been, clinically depressed, please take a minute and follow the link to this gut-wrenchingly poignant and deeply personal account of depression: Hyperbole and a Half: Adventures in Depression.

I have been a fan of Allie Brosh's humor and insights since I started blogging. I have listed her brilliant blog, "Hyperbole and a Half" on my Blog List since day one. This particular post of hers is just achingly accurate. Please have a read, and then try to be of some help to someone who is suffering.

If you feel that Allie was writing about you, help is available. Part of the point of Men's Health Month is dealing with the fact that dudes don't ask for help. Depression is real, and real men identify it and deal with it head on. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. So is willingness to talk about issues and get help.

Another point: some Christians feel guilty about getting depressed. Again, I am referring to clinical depression, which is a medical condition, not a bad attitude. In the Our Daily Bread entry for Nov 25, David McCasland wrote, "No follower of Christ should feel reluctant to seek counsel for depression. Nor should we feel that faith and prayer are too simplistic to help. There is always hope in God!"

As Movember winds to a close, I offer this recap of a dozen men's health issues, in no particular order, along with the encouragement to prevent illness, or failing that, improve the odds of successful treatment through early detection and open communication. Life = Good

stress

obesity 

prostate cancer 

testicular cancer

lung cancer

thyroid cancer

breast cancer

skin cancer

diabetes

high blood pressure

mental illness

reluctance to go to the doctor