Male Depression and the Economy: "Mancession"

The poor Americans.

The 21st century western man is not going to have it very easy. According to a new editorial in the British Journal of Psychiatry, more males in Western countries are at risk of depression due to changing economic and societal conditions.

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Authors of the new piece say that men in Western countries are experiencing depression in increasing numbers because of a prolonged downturn in the job market and the consequent move into domestic roles.

"Western men, particularly those with low education levels, will face a difficult road in the 21st century," write the authors in this month's issue of The British Journal of Psychiatry. "It may be more difficult, on average, for men to adjust to a domestic role than for women to adjust to a work role."

While women are twice as likely to suffer depression in their lifetimes, it is believed this will balance out as traditional male jobs (construction, manufacturing, etc.) continue to suffer.

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As men are unable to find jobs, they move into the house and take over more domestic responsibilities. The editorial's authors believe this could lead to greater instances of depression and marital conflict.

"Men in the changing economy will still face the same risks for depression that women faced in older economies: trapped in a family role from which they cannot escape because of an inability to find employment," the researchers write.

However, researchers say if societal expectations are changed (i.e. stigmas against men raising children and women being the breadwinners) both sexes would experience less distress.

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