8 ways to hone in on depression

When it comes to feeling barely blue or downright depressed, women tend to ask for help more than men ask for help, say the experts at Ladies Home Journal. With WebMD reporting that nearly six million men will have at least one major episode with depression each year, it's clear a good bunch of men -- while they might not ask for it -- need a good dose of help. In order to draw these guys out and get them the assistance they need, let's be on the lookout for these eight signs of trouble.

• Withdrawing from others and spending more time alone, watching TV, playing video games, or pursuing other solo activities.

• Increased drinking or use of mood-altering drugs.

• Loss of interest in sex or sexual behavior that becomes more aggressive.

• Change in eating habits, accompanied by a weight gain or weight loss of 10 pounds or more.

• Disturbed sleep patterns, especially waking in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, with an inability to get back to sleep.

• Irritability and fits of bad temper.

• Difficulty making decisions.

• Increased risk taking, such as a sudden interest in gambling, skydiving, or starting an affair.

If you notice an accumulation of these problems, you simply must approach your man. Tell him what you've noticed, share your worries, and ask him to talk to his doctor.