Factors Leading To Depression In Women
Veda Choksi
August 2024
Depression has become an extremely common health condition over the years for everyone in America. This includes teens and adults of every gender, however, it is more significant among women. Women are twice as likely to get depression than men. Why is that? A major role causing women to face depression is hormones. Women experience a great deal of hormonal imbalance throughout their lives.
Changes During Puberty
[2] When a woman hits puberty she experiences many hormonal changes that lead to changes in the way her body looks. The fast changes can end up causing her to have self-image issues such as body dysmorphia or eating disorders. Puberty can also cause acne or skin issues which tend to affect women’s self-esteem negatively. The hormonal imbalances during the monthly menstrual cycle may also interfere with their mood causing them to have bad relationships with the people around them. All these changes tend to stress out females.
Stress During Pregnancy
Pregnancy complications are very common because of unhealthy lifestyles. Any sort of complication tends to stress out women as they have to get treatment for certain issues they have. Situations like these end up affecting people extremely unfavorably. [3] During pregnancy, hormonal imbalance is very normal, causing their mood to be negative at times. In addition, unwanted pregnancies are extremely common, resulting in family issues and anxiety about the future. Pregnancy can come with a lot of worriesespecially when a woman does not have the right resources or a good support system.
Postpartum Depression
After pregnancy, a woman enters a completely different period of her life. Some women are under pressure to balance their work life and their family, while some women are forced to give up work and this further adds stress. [3] After pregnancy, women also have sleep issues. Sleep is a very important factor for mental health and seven to nine hours are required.
Menopause
Menopause comes with negative symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, hot flashes, irregular periods, anxiety, irritability, stress, and moodiness. Changes in mood and behavior affects surrounding relations, uncooperatively causing more stress. [2] Anxiety, stress, and lack of sleep can result in depression and other mental health issues.
Physiological Basis
Women are usually more ruminative compared to men, meaning they tend to overthink. [1] Even though this can be a great thing, this may make them prone to depression. Men usually react by expressing anger rather than keeping it in their heads. Women tend to be more invested in their relationships which leads to stronger emotions that do not end up being released.
Sexism!
[2] Women still face sexism in this day and age, usually from family members or even workspaces. Growing up in restrictive and traumatic households can result in depression over time. Women also tend to face discrimination from their families for working. Conversely, some women face discrimination for deciding not to work.
Recognizing Depression and Seeking Help
Symptoms of depression include:
- Consistent sadness, anxiety, or negative mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Sleep issues such as insomnia
- Tiredness and low energy
- Irregular appetite and weight gain or loss
- Trouble focusing
- Frequent negative thoughts
- Unexplained physical pain
People who have prominent symptoms of depression to the point where they affect their daily lives should seek help. To seek help, you can first see your family doctor who can help you get further help such as therapy and medications as required. If you have suicidal thoughts and think you might hurt yourself call your local emergency number immediately or contact your local suicide hotline.
References
[1] Burton, N. (2024, June 23). The 7 Reasons Why Depression is More Common in Women. Psychology Today.
[2] Depression (major depressive disorder) – Symptoms and causes. (2022, October 14). Mayo Clinic. [3] Schimelpfening, N. (2024, April 1). Why Depression Is More Common in Women Than in Men. Verywell Mind.
