Gay Men Going Deeper

Depression

May 12, 2022

59:29

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the United States that affects an estimated 17.3 million adults and 3.2 million adolescents according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Research shows that gay and bisexual men are at a higher risk for: Major depression, Bipolar disorder, and, Generalized anxiety disorder, and are more likely than heterosexual men to attempt suicide.

In today's episode, host Calan Breckon unpacks the heaviness around depression with guest and therapist, Jacob Monkarsh (LMFT & CGP).

Together they explore questions like:

What is depression and how does it affect a person?
Is it possible for someone to be depressed without knowing it? What are the signs and symptoms someone should be aware of?
What are the biggest triggers for gay men struggling with depression?
How can someone currently struggling with depression work to get out of the cycle?
How can people best support someone struggling with depression?

During the episode, Jacob asked a very important question concerning gay men and our childhood experiences: "What happens when someone can't connect with themself?" and as children, we often can't connect with ourselves fully once we realize something is "different" about us and we begin hiding who we truly are, but is that creating disassociation within us and our community?

Listen to his answer and more in today's episode.

Guest: Jacob Monkarsh