While men and women often manifest depression in different ways, with women tending to be more expressive and support-seeking¹, and there is evidence to support the notion that men suffer from clinical depression less frequently than women, men are four times more likely than women to successfully complete suicide². Given these startling statistics, getting treatment for depression, regardless of who you are, is of the utmost importance. Men may experience depression differently, however, with symptoms taking on slightly different forms. Some of these expressions may include:

• drug abuse, including excessive alcohol consumption
• irritability and anger
• social isolation
• difficulty sleeping
• increased use of the internet
• agitation

These differing manifestations of Major Depressive Disorder (the clinical term for what many just refer to as "depression") are only different perspectives on the same underlying problems. Many suffering from depression experience a host of negative thought patterns and problems regulating emotions and thought processes that magnify the usual problems in life. In turn, this can cause them to take on larger than life meaning. Depression can develop in a number of ways. For example, there can be

1. a positive feedback loop that occurs when life circumstance is met
2. with negative automatic thoughts, which can lead to
3. increased social isolation and
4. a reduction in the number of chances to have positive experiences

Fortunately, there is a very effective psychotherapeutic treatment for mood disorders. Namely, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been shown to be as effective as psychotropic medications for the treatment of depression. Additionally, there is an increasing evidence base for using Mindfulness-based practices for the treatment of depression.

Why come to Durham DBT?

At Durham DBT, we are skilled clinicians in the delivery of CBT and Mindfulness-based treatments for mood disorders.

While there are many clinicians trained in the delivery of CBT in the Triangle area, there are relatively few male therapists in the area, particularly psychotherapists with Ph.D. level training. Your level of success in treatment, while not bound by gender match, may be affected by having a male therapist. Additionally, there is much evidence highlighting therapist experience as a factor in effective treatment delivery³. At Durham DBT, Dr. Sammy Banawan has been trained by the best clinicians in evidence-based treatments and is available for new patients. If you would like to schedule an appointment with him, please call him at (919) 627-8675 or email Dr. Banawan at banawan@durhamdbt.com.