Depression can happen to anyone. However, women are said to be twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. One of the factors believed to play a role in increasing this risk is hormonal changes.
Depression in women can cause a variety of complaints and symptoms ranging from feelings of sadness, loss of interest and enthusiasm to do fun activities, to the emergence of suicidal ideation. The severity of the complaint will depend on the level of depression that occurs.
This is the reason why women are more prone to depression
The high rate of depression in women occurs due to various reasons, ranging from biological, psychological, to socio-cultural factors. Here is the explanation:
Biological reasons
In women, changes in hormone levels, such as estrogen and progesterone, can affect the part of the nervous system associated with mood. It is also associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression. Changes in female hormone levels occur during menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and menopause.
Psychological reasons
Women experience various phases of life that can affect their psychological condition, ranging from education, career, marriage, having children, the process of raising children, to midlife or second puberty crisis.
In addition, women have a quite unique way of dealing with problems, among others, by considering and thinking more about various things and possibilities, as well as involving more feelings when in a good relationship with friends, relatives, and even partners.
Different stages of life and how you respond to situations also affect mental health and make women more likely to experience depression.
Socio-cultural reasons
The culture in society often judges that women must have a gentle attitude, can be nurturing and educate, and must be sensitive to other people. This assessment and culture is prone to making women define themselves through the opinions of others. This of course will affect his mental health. So, do not be surprised if women are more prone to stress.
The demands of women who must be able to play multiple roles also have an impact. For example, women should go to work, whether it's to provide for their family or because they are afraid of being humiliated if they only become wives and housewives. But on the other hand, women are still required to be responsible for all household matters.
Multiple roles without the support of partners and family can trigger feelings of fatigue, boredom, stress, and even depression in women.
A number of reasons above seem sufficient to explain why women are more prone to depression. This condition should not be taken lightly. Depression that is not handled properly can cause health problems. Even at a severe level, depression can be life threatening for sufferers.
Help can start from simple things, such as starting to respect yourself, trying fun things, managing stress in a positive way, adopting a healthy lifestyle, to asking for help from psychologists and psychiatrists. This is so that mental health can be monitored properly.
