About the Campaign

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The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is reaching out to educate the public about depression in men through its Real Men. Real Depression. campaign.

Researchers estimate that more than six million men in the United States have a depressive disorder — about one-third of all adults living with depression in any given year. However, men are less likely than women to recognize, acknowledge, and seek treatment for their depression. In addition, their loved ones and even their physicians may not always detect depressive symptoms in men.

Campaign Concept

Taking a new approach of men talking directly to other men, NIMH worked with a distinguished documentary filmmaker, Leslie Wiener, who filmed men as they spoke candidly about their experiences with depression. The many hours of unscripted conversations with a wide spectrum of men (including a retired U.S. Air Force First Sergeant, a firefighter, a writer, a publisher, a national diving champion, a lawyer, a police officer, a student, and others) have been edited to produce public service announcements (PSAs) for television. The men filmed gave permission to use their full names and professions, and they are active participants in the campaign.

By sharing their personal stories of depression, treatment, and recovery, these men are helping NIMH reach out to increase public awareness of depression in men, and are making a powerful contribution to help other men recognize depression.

Campaign Materials include:

Publications about men and depression
Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for television, radio, and print
Hear real stories of men with depression, how they got help and got better

For More Information About Depression
For additional information about depression in men.
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For Press Release and the Campaign Press Room
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	For information about NIMH and its programs: NIMH Public Inquiries 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rm. 8184, MSC 9663 Bethesda, MD 20892-9663 U.S.A. Voice (301) 443-4513; Fax (301) 443-4279 TTY (301) 443-8431	For information about the NIMH Real Men. Real Depression. campaign: Call toll-free: 1-866-227-6464 Or e-mail to: menanddepression@mail.nih.gov If you are in a crisis and need immediate help, more >> This site is best viewed with Internet Explorer 4.x and above. [Disclaimer, Copyright, and Privacy Notice]