Love tackles tough guy mentality that hides depression
Depression, because it is routinely positioned as a womans disease, has been called the silent crisis, a sleeper issue that is at last awakening. The tough guy male attitude toward admitting an emotional struggle has given this problem a low priority on the health network. And, in research labs, the findings for anti-depressant drugs are not promising.
However, campaigns to raise awareness of depression in men are growing. State of Mind campaign, launched in Australia, specifically tackles depression in men that are seen to be the tough guys – the miners and football players.
Researchers are concerned with the high rate of suicide among these groups, including even firefighters and police officers, because the tough guy persona inhibits their ability to talk about their emotions and, thus, also to seek help.
This may lead to tragic results as in the recent suicide of actor Robin Williams. Williams had long suffered from depression.
If we look at our lives from a purely material standpoint, we may see much that could justify depression and the male pride that engenders silence. But to do this would be to close our eyes to God's love for us and the comfort and healing that a relationship with the Divine can bring.
Interesting that the definition of strength includes not only what you would expect -emotional or mental qualities in dealing with difficult events – but also this: it takes strength of character to admit one needs help.
Does appealing for help - when having thoughts of sadness, anxiety or lack of interest in life - seem like admitting a weakness? Can the pride that inhibits be exchanged for the humility that helps?
The message in the Australian campaign is: it is not too weak to speak. It encourages talking to someone – to feel connected – because when we feel low, we need to feel loved and supported.
Still, it may be that feeling loved and supported by friends, family and colleague is not enough. Turning to a source of Love that is all-powerful and does not judge us, might be the key.
Study researcher, Dan Cohen, of the University of Missouri writes that: with increased spirituality people reduce their sense of self and feel a greater sense of oneness and connectedness…. there is a significant relationship between spirituality and health. Even Iron Man magazine posted an article on research results of the benefits of prayer for men struggling with depression.
The Bible offers us divine authority to challenge sadness and what seems, at times, a dark valley of despair that comes from feeling unworthy, scared, disconnected and alone.
In Scripture, the Psalmist David (who certainly faced challenges as he went from shepherd boy to King) wrote: The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust… This sounds like a pretty reliable foundation for help.
Each person can nurture this loving relationship with the Divine. It can certainly help the tough guy; because inside of every person is a heart - no matter how heavy - that this Love can uplift and enrich.
Wendy Margolese is a self-syndicated columnist and writes regularly on the relationship between thought, spirituality and health. She is the media liaison for Christian Science in Ontario.
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