Depression is a mental health disorder affecting both men and women. However, cases of depression in women and men differ throughout the different stages of development. Before the onset of adolescence, there's virtually no difference between the rate of depression cases in boys and girls. However, things start to change at the onset of adolescence.
Depression in Adolescence
Between age 11 to 13 years, depression cases in girls increase significantly. By the time a girl is 15 years old, she is twice as likely to have experienced more cases of depression than her male counterparts. This can be blamed on the changes in roles and expectations, which may occur at adolescence. Some of the stresses adolescents may face include; emerging sexuality, forming an identity, separating from parents, hormonal, intellectual and physical changes along with the responsibility of making decisions for the first time. These stresses are not the same for males and females but they are often associated with depression in girls. Studies have shown that female students in high school have higher rates of anxiety disorder, depression, adjustment disorders and eating disorders than male students, who are much more likely to develop disruptive behavior disorder than girls.
Depression in Adulthood
It is widely known that a lot of stress can cause depression. Unfortunately, stress increases with age. Adults face different types of stresses, which may differ in severity from one person to another. Studies have shown that the highest rates of depression are experienced by both men and women who are either separated or divorced, and lowest among married couples, but it's still higher in women than in men. Overt marital disputes and lack of intimacy are also known to affect the level of depression in women and men. On the other hand, the ability of a married couple to confide in each other can help to reduce depression.
Depression During Pregnancy, Menstrual Cycle and Menopause
Depression in women may also be caused by women's reproductive events, such as menstrual cycle, infertility, post-pregnancy period and menopause. This can be blamed on hormonal changes, which may alter the brain's chemistry and affect mood.
Depression is a serious mental health issue that needs to be dealt with the moment signs and symptoms are noticed.
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