Depression among women is very common. Additionally, it is more prevalent for women as compared to men. Why so?
In this article, we share the top reasons and factors that make women more prone to depression.
What is Depression?
First, let’s dive into what depression is.
Everyone feels sad sometimes. It’s a natural part of being human. But these feelings of sadness, loneliness, or doubt usually pass within a few days.
Depression is when one’s feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loneliness interfere with their daily life. These uncomfortable feelings may last for weeks or months at a time.
The good news is that most people experiencing depression can get better with the proper treatment.
But depression symptoms that women experience is far different compared to men. In the U.S. alone, there are about 15 million people with depression each year and most of them are women. The fact is that females are twice as likely to develop depression as men.
Sadly, almost two-thirds of those experiencing depression do not get the help they need.
Here are the facts and data on women experiencing depression.
How Many Women Experience Depression?
Although depression may be a common illness, it is nevertheless a serious one.
According to CDC research, they found that that about 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. These women come from all ages, races, and ethnicities.
Additionally, research has also shown that the number of women experiencing postpartum depression also varies per state in the USA. Some states record as high as 1 in every 5 women.
The facts show that so many women experience depression.
Symptoms of Depression Among Women
How do we know if what one is experiencing is actually depression?
Depression doesn’t feel or look the same for everyone. The symptoms, how often they occur, and how they are manifested vary from person to person.
But here are the most common symptoms of depression that females experience:
- Sadness that lasts for weeks or months
- Anxiety and feelings of emptiness that last for weeks or months
- Feeling hopeless
- Pessimissm
- Loss of interest in doing regular activities or hobbies
- Irritability and restlessness
- Change in eating habits
- Change in sleeping habits
- Thoughts of suicide
While not all women going through depression may experience or exhibit the same symptoms, these are the most common ones.
Post-Partum Depression Among Women
One common type of depression that females experience is what we call post-partum depression. It is experienced by new mothers who have just given birth.
Just like depression, the symptoms of postpartum depression are exhibited and experienced differently for each woman. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Intense mood swings
- Crying more often
- Feeling angry more often
- Withdrawal from friends or loved ones
- Numbness
- Feeling disconnected from your baby
- Feeling guilty about not being a good mother
- Thoughts of harming your baby
What Causes Depression Among Women?
While depression looks different in each person, females are hit harder than men. Why?
Here are some of the most common causes of depression that females experience.
Biology and Hormones That Cause Depression In Women
Genetics plays a huge factor in depression because it can run in the family and can be passed on from generation to generation.
Hormones can also play a factor in causing depression. For example, those who are more prone to having issues with pregnancy, fertility, or perimenopause have a higher chance of experiencing depression. Women who have a history of intense hormonal imbalances or rapid fluctuations in their hormones are also more prone to experiencing depression.
Hormonal and Physical Changes
Women go through more hormonal changes in their life than men. These major shifts in hormones can either cause depression or worsen its symptoms. Here are some of the major stages that a woman;s body goes through during her life:
- Puberty
- Menstruation
- Pregnancy
- Perimenopause
- Post-partum stage
- Menopause
Psychological Causes
Due to so many changes in their bodies physically, these hormonal changes can affect a woman psychologically as well.
women are biologically more emotional and tend to show more emotion than men. Because of this, they are also more likely to rehash negative feelings which increases their chances of experiencing depression. It also causes the symptoms to worsen.
Unlike men whose natural tendency is to distract themselves or keep to themselves, women are more expressive. They talkmore, cry, and shre their thoughts and feelings more. According to some research, ruminating about one’s depressive state can make the symptoms last even longer.
Why Women are More Prone to Depression Than Men
According to studies and research, women are more prone to depression than men due to the changes in hormonal levels that occur throughout a woman’s entire life. This is one of the main reasons why women experience depression, anxiety, and stress differently than men.
Other factors not stated above include the following:
- Family history of depression or mood disorders
- Traumatic events in their early childhood
- Loss of a loved one in their early years
- Use of medications that trigger changes in hormones
In Conclusion
Depression is a common illness and affects women differently than men. The good news is that it is treatable. If you are experiencing depression or know someone who is, it is best to always seek medical and professional help.