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.
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.