"I Don't Want to Talk About It" - Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
"I don't want to talk about it."
There is a secret legacy of male depression and it is one that can be overcome. Naturally, it isn't easy but few things that are worthwhile are easy. What makes this problem so difficult, of course, is that we are dealing with men.
"I don't want to talk about it."
How can someone address a problem when there is a secret legacy of male depression that will not be discussed? Anyone who has ever dealt with a male understands that being open and communicating is not always the first option available.
"I don't want to talk about it."
That's what most men will say if you ask them about the secret legacy of male depression. Once again, it's difficult to overcome this problem when it's not going to be talked about, but that's where determination and compassion can be invaluable. Instead of just letting the person refuse to discuss it, a dialogue has to be opened so that progress can be made.
"I don't want to talk about it."
It's hard for so many people to understand the secret legacy of male depression. After all, why wouldn't someone want to get help? Why would they want to suffer in silence?
The answer to that is easy.
They are men.
"I don't want to talk about it."
That's what a man is going to say if you ask him if he's suffering from depression. Rather than acknowledge this secret legacy of male depression, he'll deny it and change the subject -- or he'll get mad and end the conversation before it can even begin.
Confront it.
When you confront it, however, make sure that you do it in a way that is non-judgmental. If the man says, "I don't want to talk about it," respond by saying that you're concerned and you want to do everything that you can do to help him. The first step in overcoming the secret legacy of male depression is to make sure that the lines of communication are open.
Try to make the man see things from your point of view.
When he says, "I don't want to talk about it," the way that you begin to overcome the secret legacy of male depression is by taking him out of his own experience and put him in yours. Let him see how his silence and how his sadness is affecting those around him. Ofttimes, the male thinks that he is sparing others from a burden when the truth is that the wall he has built around himself has only caused even more of a burden.
Emphasize the fact that he is not alone.
Part of what a man means when he says "I don't want to talk about it" means that he thinks he is alone. That's another part of the secret legacy of male depression that needs to be overcome. He needs to understand that he is not without allies in the battle that lies ahead and that can sometimes mean the difference between a man suffering in silence and one who is willing to confront the secret legacy - and overcome it.
Depression-Management-Coaching.com provides a library of excellent articles and links to online videos that contain tips and techniques on managing depression and anxiety. It is offered as a free resource by Lorraine Allen, who is a trained counsellor, life coach, and qualified stress management consultant.
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The information provided on Depression-Management-Coaching.com and all affiliated websites, does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a qualified, insured health practitioner. Only a qualified medical professional or healthcare practitioner can diagnose and/or treat depression, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, ADD or ADHD and other disorders or diseases. See your doctor or licensed health care practitioner immediately for any illness, disorder or disease.