Brain chemistry and hormones aren't the only explanations, however. And living with a role model, like a depressed mother or father, can bring on the condition. So can negative thoughts and beliefs. Men often are disappointed about not reaching their goals and that may leave them vulnerable to depression. Men are more likely to mix alcohol and depression.
Young men seem to be at particular risk for depression.
Maybe because their generation is more honest about mental disorders and seeks treatment, or maybe it's the pressure to succeed in today's world. Marlene Moretti, a psychology professor at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, B.C., says research suggests that boys are encouraged from an early age to be more independent than is healthy. Parents misunderstand this as detachment, but really the boy is growing up and needs his parents' emotional support even more. The risks of untreated depression can be profound. Into that circle of peace began to come sweet thoughts of death, the real strategizing of self-destruction.