Depression is a common but very serious mental health condition that can affect the way a person behaves, feels, and thinks. While it’s normal to feel sad or down every now and then, depression tends to last for periods of two weeks or longer. It can negatively impact several important areas of a person’s life.
While anyone can experience depression regardless of gender, age, or social status, women are more likely to notice signs and symptoms of depression compared to men. However, women are also more likely to seek additional help when struggling with depression, and this is an important part of recovery.
Depression can affect anyone, but it’s also a unique experience for anyone who goes through it. Let’s learn more about the risk of depression in women.
Being the Caregiver
A lot of women tend to fall into the role of the caregiver. Even when they’ve had careers of their own, women who have children are often expected to stay home from work in order to take care of the child and the home.
In addition to caring for their children, women are also more likely to take care of their partners and parents. Juggling the needs of all these different personalities on top of their own wants and needs can impact a woman’s overall mental health and wellness.
Eating Disorders
Society and the media have a way of telling women how to act, behave, and look. Many women are raised believing that they need to look exactly like the people in movies, television shows, commercials, and magazines.
Unfortunately, this is an unrealistic standard that women are constantly exposed to. This can lead to eating disorders in women who wish to meet these unrealistic standards. Struggling with an eating disorder can put one at a greater risk of also experiencing depression.
Hormonal Changes
Both men’s and women’s bodies change throughout their lifetimes. Women go through several significant hormonal changes over the course of their lives that can impact them internally and externally.
The primary hormonal changes that a woman goes through are during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. Changing brain chemistry can affect mental health and lead to a greater risk of the development of depression.
Unequal Rights
Even though we’ve come a long way, women are still often viewed as inferior to men, even if it’s unconsciously. Many women all over the world are having to deal with inequality in the workplace, for example. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to be living in poverty, which means they don’t have adequate access to healthcare or community.
Life Stress
Navigating life’s stresses and finding balance can be tricky for anyone, but women often have more on their plate. They might be expected to manage the schedules of their partner and their child in addition to their own, for example. They might also be expected to keep a house in working order and prepare meals.
Women without partners can also be at risk of having much higher stress in life. If they’re raising a child on their own, they might need to work multiple jobs in order to provide for themselves and their child.
Moving Forward
If you or a loved one are struggling with the signs and symptoms of depression, it’s extremely important to seek additional help. Unfortunately, depression usually won’t just go away on its own. But it’s important to know that you’re not alone.
The best treatment options for depression involve working with a licensed and trained mental health professional. We’re here to help you take back control of your life and find the light through all of the darkness. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help.
About the Author
Christian Bumpous, LMFT, LPC is a licensed mental health therapist and founder of Therapie, Nashville’s leading destination for busy professionals seeking to thrive in life, work, and relationships. Christian specializes in helping professionals navigate life transitions, improve relationships, and overcome challenges like depression and anxiety. With a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of high-performing individuals, he offers therapy sessions in both English and German, available in-person or online.
