Why Women Are More Prone to Depression

Statistics paint a clear picture: Women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men. 

This disparity isn’t a simple matter of numbers; it’s a complex weave of biology, psychology, and sociocultural factors. 

Women's mental health demands more attention here in Weymouth, Massachusetts, and across the globe. In this blog, Dr. Oluranti Adepoju at Revive Holistic Psychiatry unravels the complexities behind the high rate of depression in women, offering insight not only for those who may be wrestling with this condition but also for the community at large.

Why women are more prone to depression

It never seems fair when a disease favors one population over another, but it’s a fact of life. Here are some reasons depression tends to affect women more frequently. 

Hormonal connections

The rollercoaster of female hormonal life — menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum fluctuations, and menopause — can destabilize mood regulation. 

The surge and ebb of estrogen and progesterone do more than shape reproductive health; these hormones influence your brain’s chemistry. For some, an imbalance can lead to symptoms of depression.

Genetic links

Inheritances aren’t always desirable. Your gene library may include culprits that make you more likely to develop depression. A genetic predisposition can also make you more susceptible to environmental triggers, like the stress and strain of a modern-day woman's dual role of work and family or the tumult of hormonally charged phases of life.

Sociocultural shaping

Society molds a unique set of pressures for women. The societal expectation — real or perceived — of women as happy caretakers and peacemakers can be overwhelming. The constant comparison to an often-impossible standard can erode confidence and self-worth, laying a foundation for chronic sadness and hopelessness.

The norms and nuances of how men and women learn to process and express emotions differ. These psychological currents can steer the course of mental health. Many women feel pressure to manage their emotions, empathize, and nurture — an artful balance that, when tipped, can spill into depression.

Gender roles have historically confined women to particular spheres and modes of behavior. While the tides of equality have shifted, the undertow of these historical constraints still pulls and twists the mental states of modern women. We can’t overstate the impact of these societal constructs on identity and mental well-being.

Your strength relies heavily on the type of support you have. For women, social support and relationships play a pivotal role in buffering against depression. A divergence in the quality and nature of relationships can explain, in part, the gender disparity in depression diagnosis. Strong, real connections may be as crucial as any other therapy in wrestling the blues.

Treatment for women with depression

Treatments for depression have come a long way, but many of the traditional methods remain popular because they work well. 

Talk therapy 

Psychotherapy offers a safe harbor for the troubled mind, a place to express and explore without judgment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is exceptionally effective, offering tools to rewire thought patterns and behaviors, leading to lasting change.

Medication

A specific class of drugs amends imbalances within the brain, the most notable being antidepressants. 

We also offer Spravato®, the latest ketamine entry, with its promises of rapid relief. These medications aren’t a panacea, yet they bring light to many a dark tunnel, enabling you to better engage in therapy and other modalities.

Breaking the chains of stigma

Mental illness, regrettably, still carries a heavy burden of stigma. The path to reducing this stigma lies in education and, more powerfully, in shared stories. Speaking openly about mental health, seeking treatment with the same urgency as for physical ailments, and standing in solidarity with those who suffer are everyone’s responsibility.

Here in Weymouth, pathways to mental wellness abound. Our therapists and counselors stand ready to guide, and a robust network of support groups offers the solace of shared experience. At Revive Holistic Psychiatry, we provide a place where you can feel heard, seen, protected, valued, and encouraged.

The conversation about women and depression must continue. It’s more than professional courtesy or medical advice; it’s a societal imperative. By untangling the threads of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, we gain a clearer vision of what depression means for women and how we, as a community, can respond. 

Together, we can champion the cause of women’s mental health, educate and elevate the discourse, and foster a culture of acceptance and empathy.

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, request an appointment online, or call Revive Holistic Psychiatry today.