A 43-year-old man was hospitalized in Hanoi with signs of severe depression, despite adamantly denying his condition. At the Institute of Mental Health clinic at Bach Mai Hospital, the man appeared dazed and emotionless, brought to the hospital by his family after they found an unfinished suicide note.
Doctor Vu Son Tung, Deputy Head of the Department of Emotional Disorders Treatment, attempted to engage the man in conversation, but he continued to insist that he was fine. Recognizing the patient’s resistance, Dr. Tung asked the family to leave so he could speak privately with the man. He reassured the patient that he had the right to share his thoughts and feelings without judgment.
After a 30-minute conversation, the man began to open up about his struggles with low self-esteem, financial debt, and thoughts of suicide. Dr. Tung explained the mechanisms of depression and proposed a treatment plan, which the patient eventually agreed to.
Depression is a common mood disorder that affects many individuals, with a significant number of cases diagnosed in men over the age of 40. While men are less likely to develop depression than women, when they do, it often manifests in more severe symptoms due to societal pressures and stigma around mental health. Men may feel like they need to conform to traditional masculine stereotypes and hide their emotions from others out of fear of being judged or weakened by their mental health struggles.
Experts emphasize the importance of treating depression as a legitimate medical condition and providing support and understanding to those affected. By creating a safe and nonjudgmental space for men to open up about their struggles, professionals can help them navigate their emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve their quality of life. With the right treatment and support, individuals with depression can experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being.
It is crucial for society to break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues such as depression so that individuals who are struggling can seek help without fear or shame.
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