WHY WOMEN SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION MORE THAN MEN

One of the key components in maintaining our overall health is to look after our mental health. Over the years, with increased awareness about mental health, depression has become a known mental health issue and most people today are aware of it. This common yet serious mental health condition affects millions of people worldwide. From impacting day-to-day activities like sleeping, eating, and working this has a severe impact on how a person behaves and deals with life in general. However, thanks to the internet, this is not a taboo anymore and people are openly talking about their issues and seeking professional help.

When it comes to the gender gap, women have always faced a harsh reality. Whether it is pay disparity or hurdles in their professional career, women have been surviving life struggles for ages. But did you know that the gender gap has a significant impact on a woman’s mental health as well? According to studies, women experience depression twice more than men. While depression can affect anyone, statistics show that it appears more frequently in women than men.

Here are some of the factors contributing to higher depression rates in women

● Biological factors

➔ Hormonal fluctuations are more pronounced in women, especially related to menstruation, pregnancy, post-partum, and menopause. Such changes trigger mood swings and depressive symptoms as women go through a lot of bodily changes as well as mentally they need to prepare and accept themselves.

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● Psychosocial factors

➔ Societal pressures and gender roles place excessive stress on women, from managing family duties to facing workplace inequality. Women have been conditioned to behave in certain manners, it is deeply rooted in the society that women are the nurturers of the family and it is their responsibility to keep a family together. The burden of being an epitome of perfection slowly affects the mental health of women.

● Life experience and stress

➔ Women report higher rates of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma, which are significant risk factors for developing depression in later life.

➔ The demands of childcare, motherhood, and professional life can often lead to overwhelming stress which can contribute to depression.

● Psychological factors

➔ The pressures to fill multiple roles such as being a good daughter, wife, mother, and daughter-in-law can be overpowering at times. The expectation to perform well in each of these roles can lead to immense stress and feelings of inadequacy, contributing to depressive symptoms.

● Social support and coping skills

➔ While women often have strong networks of support, they may also face more stress within these relationships, which can impact their emotional health.

➔ Additionally, the ways women typically cope with stress, like seeking help from others, can influence how they manage feelings of anxiety and sadness.

Today many people take the initiative to provide support to women through groups and organizations. These platforms have given women to become more aware of their mental health conditions, to speak up, and to get professional help.

(Author: Honey Gudh, a professionally certified life coach and co-founder of the New Delhi-based Cocoweave Coaching International)