Like a lot of men, you may have grown up believing a very dangerous myth that goes something like this: Men don’t talk about their feelings. And when they’re hurting, they just hold it inside.

That kind of thinking may be one of the reasons why too many men with depression don’t ask for the help they greatly need and deserve. If you’re one of these men, seeking help is exactly what you should do.

Depression is a serious medical illness, one that hangs like a dark cloud over millions of American men. It can leave you feeling run-down and angry and as though you just don’t care anymore about things that once made you happy. Worse, depression can increase the risk of suicide—especially for men.

But with the right treatment, you can be on your way to feeling better again.

Don’t ignore the signs

Depression is more than feeling temporarily down in the dumps. Its overwhelming symptoms can last for weeks on end. Depression feels different for every guy. But it may be depression, for instance, if you:

• Feel sad, empty or hopeless a lot.
• Are irritable, anxious or angry.
• Lose interest in work, family, hobbies or other things that once gave you joy.
• Feel very tired.
• Have trouble concentrating or remembering things.
• Sleep too little or too much.
• Eat too little or too much.
• Have trouble meeting work or family demands.
• Think about suicide.

You can feel better again

Remember: Depression is a treatable illness. By far, most people get better with treatment options that include counseling, medicines or both. Telling someone, such as your doctor, about your depression is the first step.

Sources: American Psychiatric Association; Mental Health America; National Institute of Mental Health & Coffey Communications, Inc.