I'll echo what string&stick and fowlplay have said.
Men are raised to repress feelings, in order to cope with said feelings lots of men turn to alcohol only worsening the problem.
I definitely agree with your statement;
Anxiety and Depression. It has always seemed that talking about this is "unmanly"...Well, who gives a crap, lets talk.
Best way to handle it is to go talk to a professional counselor that has the skills and education to help pass on to you and help you know how to handle it on your own.
To answer your questions:
Yes, I had/have depression.
What brought it on for me early in life was just that, life. Stress of life, conditions, and circumstances. Feeling sorry for myself in a lot of ways.
It got worse when I started drinking. First for fun. (Funny thing about alcohol is that it is a very strong depressant all while making you feel good while consuming it)
My grandfather whom was my father figure and mom passed within two years of each other. Didn't know how to handle the grieving other than picking up a bottle and drowning the feelings.
In turn making that visous circle even more viscous and ever consuming.
Failed long term relationship and a few other relationships, along with some eye opening experiences got me to look for help.
I handled it by getting professional help from a counselor and briefly getting on medication after I stopped drinking to help jumpstart things.
All that really changed my way of thinking and help me know how to deal with things better when dark clouds start to roll in (very few and far between nowadays). I'm way more equipped with knowing how to deal with things now.
It takes a lot more strength to admit to a problem and deal with it than it does to push it down and ignore it!
^^^THIS 100%
Takes a hell of a man to admit he's wrong or has problem and then do what's necessary to fix or correct it.