I personally think that depression is a mental thing, and not something pharmaceuticals can fix alone. I think there is always an underlying issue, and there is always a reason for depression. I think CBT is very helpful (not had it though), and although pharmaceuticals may help in the short term, I believe a person has to learn to cope with the issue long term.

I think the coping mechanisms are picked up as a child, and someone who has a bad experience in this, would probably suffer depression or some other mental issue in later life.

I think a big thing for men who are depressed is the lack of support. As someone has rightly mentioned on this thread, women may perceive a man as weak if he shows his depression. Also, men usually don't let out their emotions to other men regarding depression, as the response can often be "man up". So who does a man have to talk to? Instead, he just goes over it all in his head, spirallaing downwards until rock bottom.

Just my two cents