Beyond Depression: Men's Tears as an Echo of Childhood Trauma

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Our research findings confirm the previously mentioned ideas and suggest that male depression may be a form of CPTSD. However, when men exhibit EFDS, it is more likely to have a direct connection to ACEs. In other words, ACEs in men can significantly correlate with their mental health, leading to more severe symptoms of CPTSD. Alternatively, these ACEs may still affect men, and as adults, they may manifest the damage they endured during childhood through EFDS. In counseling and clinical practice, it is crucial to expand the perspective on male depression. Besides the typical depressive symptoms like sadness and hopelessness, men may also exhibit externalizing forms of depressive symptoms like increased irritability. When men show EFDS, it's important to focus on how their ACEs might affect them, rather than just reducing their depressive symptoms. Men may find it more acceptable to report EFDS, which aligns with cultural expectations of masculinity. However, disclosing the underlying childhood trauma and even CPTSD can be more challenging. Proactively identifying these hidden psychological health threats is an essential practical principle When conducting our research, we discovered that there is very little attention given to the field of men's psychology, both internationally and in Taiwan. Even fewer people focus on the impact of childhood trauma experiences on men's mental health. When men say, "I don't care, I've forgotten about my childhood, the past is in the past," it doesn't mean that these ACEs have no effect on them. In our research, we found that these impacts can be significant and even harmful. In the future, we need more research to explore the effects of childhood adversity experiences and childhood trauma on men. In the field of counseling and clinical practice in Taiwan, there is a scarcity of organizations or agencies that primarily serve male populations. Many men are less proactive in addressing their mental health concerns and may find it challenging to seek help or express their difficulties. In a culture influenced by traditional masculinity, many people do not recognize the external form of male depression as a psychological crisis. These symptoms and behaviors are often considered normal male conduct and are not linked to childhood trauma. Therefore, there is a need for more research to explore the impact of ACEs or childhood trauma on men. The authors of this study are all counseling psychologists in Taiwan, and they have observed the unique aspects of male mental health in their clinical work. Therefore, there is a desire to focus more on male-specific issues and develop strategies and methods for assisting men in addressing their mental health concerns effectively.

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