I read an interesting take on the problems of suicide at John Gratton’s site today where John questions … Does this Cartoon About Suicide 
Bother You? I agree with John’s concern … and wondered if you’ve spotted depression in business men you know…?
Do you remember the story about a well-respected executive … Timothy Hogan who killed himself in 1998 after he couldn’t find medical help, or hide the horrors of suicidal feelings? Suicide feelings come to more men in particular than we realize…
Dr. Joseph Goldberg says that men often disguise their pain from emotional disturbances. He explains that the underlying cause of suicide in men is not typically the result of traumatic setbacks… but more from psychiatric problems such as depression, alcoholism, or psychosis. Do you agree?
While we all feel depressed or lonely or sad ...at times… depression in men is a national problem…. Symptoms include inability to enjoy pleasure, loss of sleep, and drop in appetite…. It fogs a person’s reflective processes, zaps energy. Not much laughter in this problem for any fellow worker….
Dr. Goldberg said at least 15% of people with depression complete the act of suicide, but even higher proportions will attempt it. Sadly… while depression is one of the most treatable psychiatric conditions, Dr. Goldberg claims, it is also one of the most under-diagnosed and under-recognized. Business leaders will be interested also… it costs us $44 billion annually in lost days of work, productivity, and quality of life… according to Dr. Goldberg's book, Bipolar Disorders.
Dr. Gary Brooks, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University… added… that even when men are in trouble, it’s often difficult for them to ask for help. My question is how could we make it easier for depressed men in our organization to get help…? What do you think…?
Don't know, not in your organization. Got here by clicking on the "read more" link at (I guess it's John's blog)the end of your comment. I know several people who attempted or committed suicide. The man that put a gun in his mouth, did so when his girlfriend broke up with him. Don't know the reason the high school senior did likewise, nor the Fuller Brush man, who seemingly had a perfect life. A single Dad with 5 children, who worked and had his mom raising the kids. The others were females, with men problems. Tho' I was raised with 5 brothers, I'm clueless to the "why's" of men, so won't hazard a guess on helping depressed ones, at the work place.
Posted by: mary | June 6, 2006 12:48 PM | Permalink to Comment