Depression is a serious mental illness that occurs 1.5-3 times more often in women than in men.
In this article I examine the reasons for this difference.
Gender -specific causes of depression
The researchers Rachel Salk, Janet Hyde and Lyn Abramson (2017) found that the risk of depression in women compared to men is twice as high and three times as high in adolescence. For many girls, the early teenagers are a hard time.
Women go through a number of physical changes in life such as pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and hormonal changes that can contribute to the development of depression. The use of contraceptives and hormone replacement therapies can also lead to depression.
Women are more susceptible to disorders that are associated with internal conditions such as depression, anxiety and inhibited sexual desire. Women also experience situations such as less wages for the same work, juggling with several roles and the care of children and older family members (Freeman & Freeman, 2013).
Symptoms of depression in women and men
Women with depression often show higher rates of seasonal depression and atypical patterns, which are characterized by symptoms such as excessive sleeping, increased food and weight gain. Common emotional symptoms are feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness and inability to feel joy.
Men with depression often show symptoms such as anger, irritability and restlessness. They can also show risky behavior and suffer from alcohol and drug abuse. Physical symptoms can be chest pain, erectile dysfunction, indigestion and palpitations.
Emotional attunement versus control
Women have a higher emotional mood than men, which helps them recognize depression. However, they also tend to pay too much attention to negative emotions and symptoms of stress and discomfort, which is associated with higher rates of depression. Women are also looking for mental support rather than men and are therefore more likely to be diagnosed and treated by depression.
Suppression of depression in men
There is a hypothesis that many cases of depression remain undetected in men, since men are less likely to recognize their depressive mood or to ask for help. Men tend to suppress their suffering and ignore negative thoughts and feelings. In addition, men are often afraid of being considered weak or irresponsible if they seek help with psychological problems. Symptoms such as anger and restlessness can also cause depression to not be recognized in men.
Conclusion
The differences between the sexes in relation to the depression rates can be explained by a combination of physical, emotional and social factors. Women have a higher emotional mood and go through hormonal changes in life that can contribute to depression. Men, on the other hand, often have difficulty recognizing their depressive mood and asking for help. It is important that people, regardless of gender, are looking for help if depression is suspected of the best possible possible Treatment to obtain.
