Had Enough? You're Not Alone

Before I begin, thanks are in order to BeyondBlue, the national depression initiative.
In my family, depression and anxiety disorders have only ever reared their ugly heads in the lives of our women. This lends an impression that because women are the most common sufferers of depression they are the worst off. This is not true. It may be the case that approximately one in every six Australian men suffer from depression at any given time whilst one in every three women suffer from the same illness but there is more to the emotions of men than they are given credit. I want to take some time out to share a bit of knowledge rather than rant about petty things such as how 'bad' my life is or how frustrating I find life.
Suicide rates in men are significantly higher than those for women. In fact, young men are four times more likely to commit suicide than a woman of the same age. Statistical evidence shows this is because men are more likely to turn to substance abuse rather than seek medical treatment. Men feel weakened by depression and it causes them withdraw further into themselves.
The general contention is that men should be men and depression is a women's illness or not even an illness at all. No person should be depressed and they definitely should not have to face it alone. We all have the right to speak up if something feels wrong or if we need help. Depression is no light matter and if it isn't taken care of properly, you become another statistic.
I'd like it if no one became a statistic any more. I understand that isn't possible but it is nice to dream...

Terreur Nocturne