Depression is
fueling risky sex and drug use in gay men, according to a
new report by a leading gay men's health group.
Living on the Edge: Gay Men, Depression, and
Risk-taking was released Wednesday by the Medius
Institute for Gay Men's Health, a health advocacy
group in New York City. The study pointed out that 17%
of gay men have depression, approximately twice the rate of
depression among the general public. The study found strong
links between depression and high-risk behaviors,
including substance abuse and unsafe sex.
"Clearly,
depression and related disorders are a major challenge for
gay men's health," said Spencer Cox, executive director of
the Medius Institute. "For the most part depression
doesn't seem to cause high-risk behavior directly, but
it certainly pumps up the volume on risk-taking."
The institute
advised integrating mental health care referrals with
programs combating HIV and other sexually transmitted
diseases, as well as making mental health
opportunities and educational programs specific to gay
men more accessible. (The Advocate)