October 22, 2009
Michael Addis teams up with NFL Hall of Fame Quarterback to raise awareness of male depression
Michael Addis and Terry Bradshaw recently led a discussion entitled "Men and Depression: Overcoming the Stigma and Creating Positive Change."
Pictured from left: Michael Addis, Terry Bradshaw, and C. Andrew McGadney
Addis, a professor in the Hiatt School of Psychology at Clark University, is an expert on men's mental health and the lead investigator of the Research Group on Mens Well-Being. The author of more than 60 books and articles on topics surrounding clinical psychology, Addis highlighted the goal of establishing the first-ever Center for the Study of Men's Mental Health at Clark University. The Center will include research, training, and community outreach in topics related to men's mental health.
"Depression is not a feeling of sadness or being down, it has both physical and emotional symptoms," Addis said. "A depressed person is highly self critical and may have trouble sleeping. Male depression is a major problem in our culture and men are less likely to be diagnosed than women. One of our goals at Clark University is to raise awareness of the nature of depression as an illness in men."
Addis further noted that depression robs people of their will and 1 in 5 people suffer from depression. With counseling and/or medication, 75 percent of those suffering can be treated. According to Addis, men are less likely to be diagnosed than women since there is a tremendous stigma associated with the illness in men.
Clark University has been a pioneer in researching men and depression. The University received the first federal grant in the history of the National Institute of Health to study male depression specifically which enabled Dr. Addis to spend five years conducting research in this area. The University is the only place in the world with a doctoral training program in clinical psychology where students can focus specifically on men's mental health.
Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Fame NFL quarterback and national sports broadcaster, has had a personal struggle with depression for many years. Bradshaw notes that his triggers for depression included a divorce and an emotional breakdown. Bradshaw understands that men shouldn't be afraid to get help.
"People think male depression is taboo and men are ashamed of it because it is a sign of weakness," Bradshaw said. "I understand my depression, I accept it and I deal with it. The worst thing is to feel ashamed and not seek help. Depression is not your fault; it is your fault if you do not get help. I thank Clark for helping to raise awareness."
Bradshaw also noted that the public thinks that male depression is "taboo."