HOW DO DEPRESSION AND HEART
DISEASE AFFECT MEN?
Although both men and women get
depression, men often have different symp-
toms than women, including:
• Feeling angry.
• Acting aggressively.
• Abusing drugs or alcohol.
• Having trouble sleeping.
These symptoms can put men at risk for
heart problems by raising blood pressure
and putting extra stress on the heart. Men
may also be less likely than women to reach
out for help with depression. The longer
men stay depressed and don’t seek treat-
ment, the worse it is for their hearts.
If you have any of the symptoms of
depression, talk to your doctor or a mental
health professional, such as a psychiatrist or
counselor. Learn more about the symptoms
of depression in men.
PROTECTING YOUR HEART AND MIND:
A POSITIVE SPIRAL
The good news is that staying mentally
healthy can help your heart. And staying
heart-healthy through diet, physical activity,
and other behaviors can help prevent or
lessen depression. For good mental and
heart health throughout your life, try these
steps:
See a professional. If you have depres-
sion but do not have heart problems, talk to
a mental health professional about treatment
for your depression. Treating depression can
help your heart health in the long term and
improve your quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with a
heart problem, talk to your doctor about any
feelings of depression you have. Your doctor
can talk to you about medicines and healthy
living habits that can help both your heart
and your mental health.
Stay physically active. Physical activity
boosts your mood and keeps your blood
vessels healthy and strong. Studies show
that exercise may be as effective as medicine
in reducing symptoms of depression.7 Learn
more about physical activity.
Watch what you eat and drink. Eat
plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. Avoid
foods that may raise your blood pressure
or keep you from sleeping at night, such as
caffeine, foods high in sodium (salt), and
alcohol. Learn more about how to lower
your blood pressure with a special diet
called DASH.
Do not smoke. Smoking tobacco is
linked to both depression and heart disease.
If you do smoke, learn how to quit.
Get support from loved one. Talk to
trusted family or friends about what you are
feeling. Loved ones can help support you
in healthy habits, such as by going grocery
shopping with you, being exercise partners,
and reminding you to take your medicines.
For more information:
https://www.cdc.gov/Features/mens-health-month/
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