Customer Reviews

The Pain Behind the Mask: Overcoming Masculine Depression

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have recommended this book to many friends and clients, and it has been very helpful to them. In the process of ordering another copy, I just read a review that refers to it as "a waste of time" for men. I disagree! But then again, no book is a one-size fits all...

This book is a better fit for men who have been depressed in an atypical way and who need a different perspective to understand themselves and get better. (The current working model of depression reflects more culturally "feminine" traits.) This book suggests that when a man abuses alcohol or drugs, becomes aggressive after a loss, or intimidates others with his 'bad moods', it is easy to overlook the vulnerable emotions behind self-destructive behaviors and violent behaviors. It's just as easy to miss the underlying clinical depression. The core value of this book is to suggest that we look beneath the mask. Written more as a self-help book than a textbook, it is shorter on theory and research than I like. But it is geared to a lay audience and succeeds in this way. There are many case studies and practical suggestions that the author's have successfully used in clinical practice.

Simply put, this book has been needed for quite a while. But it may not fit everyone in the same way.

This book should be required reading for both men and women,since we all want happy relationships.Because male depression goes unrecognized and leads to self-neglect,violence and abuse, society is dealing with the repurcussions constantly.

For me, the best part of the book was the steps that men need to undertake to change. At the end of every chapter, affect, behavior and cognition instructs how to do this. As the mother of two boys, and the ex-wife of a man who has never acknowledged his depression this book has given me insight into the culture that unfortunately sees this inability to relate as being"male"This is a much needed book!

Having trouble with the man in my life and wanting to help, I set out to find answers. This book is a great window into the head of the men in your life, and the reasons why they do what they do. It gives alot of background info, as well as some advice on how to change things for the better. The book is aimed at men, by men, so isn't preachy, or threatening,- but I definately recommend it for women to read before they pass it on to the guys.
Ultimately, it's the man that has to want to heal, but understanding what they're going through can help the women be there for them while they do.

I found this in the library and was so impressed with the information I bought a copy for continued reference. It explained a LOT about why I react the way I do in certain situations. Using the knowledge, I have improved my relationship with my wife, children, and friends. It has even given me insight into relationships at work (esp male to male.)

I found the title a bit off putting, but applicable.

I am just reading the book for the second time and am finding it even more enjoyable than when I first read it.

Rare is it that you come across a modern book these days on gender or gender issues that isn't simplistic, uninsightful or trite.

Finally, a big step in the right direction in understanding what it means to be human, what it means to be of the male gender.

Bravo!

This book should be required reading for both men and women,since we all want happy relationships.Because male depression goes unrecognized and leads to self-neglect,violence and abuse, society is dealing with the repurcussions constantly.

For me, the best part of the book was the steps that men need to undertake to change. At the end of every chapter, affect, behavior and cognition instructs how to do this. As the mother of two boys, and the ex-wife of a man who has never acknowledged his depression, this book has given me insight into the culture that unfortunately sees this inability to relate as being"male"This is a much needed book!

an informative read into male depression. there are a lot of books out there on this subject matter. this one is written with an ease to understand and with a flow that keeps it smooth

After years of believing my husbands behavior was somehow wilfull and conscious I now see it for what it more likely is: expressions of internal conflict over deeply conditioned beliefs of what it is to be a man that is costing our men their humanity.

This is overly simplistic, leftist, academic tripe with the following bottom line premise: men are miserable, depressed, violent creatures because our parents raised us up to be ... well, men.

Call me cynical, but I'm suspicious of authors who use a Preface to essentially disavow any resposibility or even legitimacy for the treacle they are about to set forth. I guess it is important to know though that the book is based on a lot of their personal experiences and that writing it was a marvelous bonding experience for them.

Having established their loophole and "sensitivity credentials" the authors proceed to parrot the feminist agenda. It soon occurs to the reader that, from the authors' perspective, the Charlton Heston's and John Wayne's of the world are inherently depressed beyond belief while the Woody Allen's are almost manic.

My bottom line: if you're a man this book is a waste of time.