There is an increasing problem within society of of male depression and it is one that can be overcome. Naturally, it isn't easy but few things that are worthwhile are easy. What makes this problem so difficult, of course, is that we are dealing with the male of the species - who aren't known for being particularly forthright with their feelings!

How can hope to conquer the problem when there is a secret legacy of male depression that will not be discussed? Anyone who has ever dealt with a male understands that being open and communicating is not always the first option available.

That's what most men will say if you ask them about the increasing problem within society of male depression. Once again, it's difficult to overcome this problem when it's not going to be talked about, but that's where determination and compassion can be invaluable. Instead of just letting the person refuse to discuss it, a dialogue has to be opened so that progress can be made.

It's hard for so many people to understand the secret legacy of male depression. After all, why wouldn't someone want to get help? Why would they want to suffer alone?

The answer to that is easy.

Because they are men. And generally men just aren't that into sitting down and talking through their feelings...

That's sometimes what a man is going to say if you ask him if he's suffering from depression. Rather than acknowledge this secret legacy of male depression, he'll deny it and change the subject -or he'll get mad and end the conversation before it can even begin.

Try this. Open up a dialogue and confront it...

However, when you confront it, ensure you talk in a way that is non-judgmental. If the man says, "I don't want to talk about it," respond by saying that you're concerned and you want to do everything that you can do to help him.

The first step in overcoming the secret legacy of male depression is to make sure that the lines of communication are open, rather than just trying to make the man see things from your point of view. Why not show that you can see things from HIS point of view?

When he says, "I don't want to talk about it," the way that you begin to overcome the secret legacy of male depression is by taking him out of his own experience and putting him in yours. Let him see how his silence and how his sadness is affecting those around him. Often, the male thinks that he is sparing others from a burden when the truth is that the wall he has built around himself has only caused even more of a burden.

Emphasize the fact that he is not alone.

Part of what a man means when he says "I don't want to talk about it" means that he thinks he is alone. That's another part of the secret legacy of male depression that needs to be overcome. He needs to understand that he is not without allies in the battle that lies ahead and that can sometimes mean the difference between a man suffering in silence and one who is willing to confront his depression - and in time, to overcome it.