Depression is an illness that affects both men and women. But people working in mental health services see far fewer men with depression than women with depression. It seems likely that men suffer from depression just as often as women, but that they are less likely to ask for help. This leaflet gives some basic facts about depression in general - and how it affects men in particular.
Depression causes a huge amount of suffering.
It is a major reason for people taking time off sick from their work. Many people who kill themselves have been depressed - it is a potentially fatal disorder. However, it is easily treatable and best treated as early as possible. Men need to know what it is and how to get effective help. Everybody has times in their lives when they feel down or depressed.