Women versus Men and Depression

> It is amazing to me when I look on the > regular RNY forum and see so many > women talk about how they are all > Bipolar or have some form of depression > that causes mood disorders.  I can't really > say I have seen anything like that on the > mens forum side. I've had the same reaction as you.  But I have a few initial impressions: 1.) Wimmin on the main and RNY boards (can't speak of others) will talk about ANYTHING, and I mean ANYTHING, whether it's menstrual cramps or bipolar disorder.  But many men here won't mention a psychiatric diagnosis they have have received unless it's relevant to what they're writing.  I don't think that's good or bad; it's just different. 2.) Women (at least those found on support-group forums for obesity and WLS) may not carry as much stigma with them about psychiatric diagnoses as most men might.  This probably also extends to their receiving an initial diagnosis and subsequent treatment.  Many men who could probably hang a sign around their necks if they'd been given one may not have sought out psychiatric help OR may simply be reluctant to raise it in a public forum.   But if you read the Men's Forum for a while, you know that there are many guys here who don't fit this generalization. /Steve

I thought I might have a just a bit of a problem when, during the psych evaluation, the Dr. asked his secretary to dial 911.

I had a similar experience during my latest venture to have my colon checked for polyps. About half way through it occurs to me that the doc has both hands on my shoulders.......

BwaHahahaha!!  That's funny Fish! Oh . . . wait, come to think about it, so did mine!!

I hope she was good-looking! /Steve

This is a very good thread.  If I just hated the fat, it would be more simple.  I have suffered bouts of depression for a number of years.  Not so terrible on its own, but the more depressed I get, the meaner and more surly I get.  I can't even stand myself, and I seem to have no control of it.  A very small amount of medication and it really makes me much more even-tempered.  I am much more pleasant to be around- even to myself!