Although depression is an illness that affects both men and women, depression can manifest itself differently among the sexes.  While women usually internalize distress and reach out for help, depressed men often act out and turn distress into aggression.

Men are also more likely to self-medicate by working excessively, abusing alcohol or drugs, and withdrawing from loved ones.  Often, men will experience depression without feeling sad, and are often less likely to ask for help, which makes it more difficult for doctors to diagnose.

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Depression affects one in five women over the course of a lifetime, but can present different symptoms depending on her age. Throughout a woman’s life, she will experience a range of emotional highs and lows trying to balance work, relationships and personal health.

Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is offering you the opportunity to take a screening for a variety of common mental health conditions, including depression. The screenings are free, anonymous, and only take a few minutes.  To complete a screening, please visit www.henrymayo.com and click on the link.