[Gabyunbound]

It's hard to tell sometimes who's male and who's female on this forum, but there seem to be a lot more women. Considering that, to my knowledge, BP affects both men and women fairly equally, why do you think this is?

[Slightlydelusional]

Women are more supportive and men tend to go destroy things is my guess.

[Victoria'smom]

I'm female. I think it's easier for females to reach out.

[Daonnachd]

I believe that socioculturally men are taught that discussing trials and tribulations is a sign of weakness. Even if a man doesn't actually believe this, the formative training of his upbringing shapes how he interacts with others regarding his experience.

For example, I am a man who rejects society's model of strength and masculinity and yet I find it exceedingly difficult to share all that is going on within my mind most days. I have taken in too securely the idea I should be able to deal with things on my own. We have been taught, whether we were good students or not, that we don't share our problems.

[~Christina]

Female kinda a gives it all away with my pic lol

[UpDownAround]

I suffered from male ego and was in denial for several years. Discussing it during that period would have been tantamount to admitting I believed the diagnosis. Lotta guys go through that.

That’s an interesting observation, given anonymity here.

I think Vertigo nailed it.

[UpDownAround]

Originally Posted by key tones

That’s an interesting observation, given anonymity here.

I think Vertigo nailed it.

If you were talking about my comment when you mentioned the anonymity, it doesn't matter. It dovetails into what Vertigo said. I couldn't discuss it, anonymous or not. I would know I did it. I don't think ability to be dishonest with oneself is a uniquely male trait, but it is probably more widespread among men.

I have been a member of various bipolar and/or depression support online forums or in-person groups during the last 12 years. I, too, have noticed more females than males on the online forums. At in-person groups like DBSA (Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance) the male/female ratio was a little closer, with just a few more women than men.

I am a female, and I used to be a group leader for another website's Bipolar support group. Though that online support group attracted mostly women, it was kind of interesting that of the up to 9 group leaders, almost half were men. I'd rather not go into too much detail on why I think that was the case, but will say that the people in group leader roles had some form of leadership role or tendencies in past or current life.

[WildcatVet]

I don't want to stereotype men...but I think they feel they need to be strong and just deal with things themselves...

[Daonnachd]

Originally Posted by WildcatVet

I don't want to stereotype men...but I think they feel they need to be strong and just deal with things themselves...

Sadly, while it may not be true as a stereotype of all men, it is a generalisation which fits many. This is still the result of social patterning. We may all nod our heads at the stereotype of "the strong, silent type," but we have to remember it's not genetic. It's generations upon generations of nurture saying to little boys, "Don't cry. Be strong."

Even if I didn't raise my boys this way, popular culture will make sure they hear it over and over. How to avoid it, though?

[Northchild]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

I have been a member of various bipolar and/or depression support online forums or in-person groups during the last 12 years. I, too, have noticed more females than males on the online forums. At in-person groups like DBSA (Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance) the male/female ratio was a little closer, with just a few more women than men.

I am a female, and I used to be a group leader for another website's Bipolar support group. Though that online support group attracted mostly women, it was kind of interesting that of the up to 9 group leaders, almost half were men. I'd rather not go into too much detail on why I think that was the case, but will say that the people in group leader roles had some form of leadership role or tendencies in past or current life.

Hi C.

Hi Northchild