Women are four times more vulnerable to depression than men. That’s not to say women are weaker than men, women are just different emotionally and biologically.
Researchers claim that women are more sensitive and susceptible to depression, anxiety attacks and stress. However, these statistics could be called into question, as women are more likely to seek help for depression. Men tend to tough it out alone, so these statistics may not be accurate. Women may visit their GP more than men. Below are some of the differences between men and women and how they both respond to depression and the symptoms of depression.
Differences Between Men and Women:
Men and women have different levels of hormones, such as serotonin, oestrogen and testosterone. Women's hormones flow at different levels constantly, therefore women are naturally more prone to stress and are more physically sensitive than men. This is why women are more likely to suffer from symptoms that relate to depression, anxiety, stress or mental illness.
Women have been known to suffer specific types of depression. There are many types of depression unique to women. Women are more likely to suffer depression during pregnancy, during their menstrual cycle or during menopause. Men on the other hand suffer from more standard depression forms.
Young adolescent women are more likely to suffer from many different types of depression; where as adolescent boys are most likely to exhibit behavioural symptoms or substance abuse. Depression or mental health issues are becoming higher in young men than ever before. Some young men may express this by acting out; i.e. self harm, such as cutting or drinking alcohol.
Depression symptoms such as; anxiety and panic attacks are more common in women than men. Women may also suffer from eating disorders while men develop symptoms like alcohol or drug abuse.
Sexual trauma, assault, rape or abuse tends occur more in women’s lives. These traumas can result in depression in women during their lifetime. Women can suffer from many unique types of depression based on these situations.
Basic societal expectations can affect a woman’s mental health. Women tend to be very hard on themselves at times, especially when things fall apart within their families. Marriage and relationship breakdowns could lead to women suffering many types of depression. Women feel more pressure to be good mothers, and when there is trouble involving their children, women tend to take things to heart more, and this can trigger depression.
Depression in Women is Often Referred to as Moodiness
Because of the emotional and biological differences in women and men; women are often accused of being “moody” or “pre-menstrual” (PMS) by the men in their lives. It’s time we opened our minds, and looked beyond what we think is the obvious, as there is nothing more patronizing than accusing a woman of being moody or having PMS.
Women who are battling depression need understanding and respect. There are many types of female depression, and these issues are more complex than people realise. That is not to say that men don’t suffer from depression too. However, men tend to keep quiet and tough it out rather than seek help to discuss their issues. Depression in men would be a lonely feeling for them, unless they have someone they can talk to.
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Copyright 2012 - Angie Rose Whitney
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