West Michigan Community ... Market Share Analysis for June 2026

When I wrote this column in October 2013, I hoped it might encourage at least a few people, men in particular, to reach out for help.  While many fear that disclosing their depression will be seen as a weakness, I feel that seeking help demonstrates tremendous strength.  I admire both of these men for their strength and for sharing their stories to help others. – BR Most people who seek treatment for depression are women.  However, men also are at risk for depression.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, men are less likely to recognize that they have depression, to acknowledge they need help, and to take steps to seek help. For this month’s column I talked to two men, both local to the Lake-Mason-Oceana County region.  Both are successful, well-known professionals who are respected in their communities.  And both have experienced depression.  They agreed to share their stories in order to help other men who deal with similar problems. “Bill” had a highly demanding career in manufacturing.  Always a hard worker, he believed that he would have a good life if he worked hard towards his goals.  He was successful in school and his career.  He was the sort of worker who never said no to extra work, extra hours, and extra duties. A few years ago, Bill noticed he was running low on energy.  When he wasn’t working, he didn’t want to do anything.  He didn’t want to leave the house or even go outdoors.  He honored commitments if he had them, but avoided making plans.  Bill recalled coming home from work, exhausted, and thinking, “If I only had the energy I would go get that gun and end it all.”  Bill said it’s hard to accept having those thoughts because it makes one feel like a weak person. Seeking help is a difficult decision to make, Bill said.  He confided in a friend, who showed deep concern and urged Bill to see a doctor.  Bill had some tests to rule out possible medical causes for his depression.  Everything came back normal. Rather than request medic