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Symptoms of depression may include the following: difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions fatigue and decreased energy feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping irritability, restlessness loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex overeating or appetite loss persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts Roughly one in five gay men experience symptoms of depression according to a study conducted by the New York based Medius Institute for Gay Men’s Health (http://www.mediusinstitute.org/depression.htm).
Rates among the general population are less than half of that at roughly one in twelve. Surveys have shown, that depression can contribute greatly to gay men’s decisions to engage in unsafe or compulsive sex, illicit substance use, irresponsible alcohol consumption, or a combination of the three. As a result, nearly 60% of gay men in the survey have sought or are actively considering mental health counseling. (http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/gender/site/depression/depression_in_community.htm) Wondering if you or someone you know might be suffering from depression? Take the following screener http://www.lexapro.com/check_symptoms/dep_screener.aspx to see if you may currently be experiencing some of the symptoms. Are you currently experiencing the effects of depression in the form of substance use or out-of-control sexual behavior? Help is available through one of our individual counseling programs that can be found under community resources. |
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