Have you ever felt sad, lonely, or empty for no reason? Bored with everything, and no longer interested in the things you used to enjoy? This experience is actually common to many women. Research has even found that women are more likely to suffer from depression , or as we all know it, depression (medically known as ``Major Depressive Disorder - MDD'') than men. So, why does this happen? Today, we will talk about the specific reasons that affect it.
Are there any genetic factors?
Yes, if someone in your family, that is, your mother, father, siblings, has had depression, you are at some risk of developing it too. It is like a genetic trait. This has been further confirmed by studies conducted on identical twins.
But this doesn't mean that you won't get it if no one in your family has it. Sometimes the condition can develop without any family history. Scientists have also found some gene mutations that are specific to women and are linked to depression. Simply put, our genes play a role in this.
Hormonal changes are the main cause.
A woman's hormone levels fluctuate throughout her life. These fluctuations, especially in the hormones estrogen and progesterone, greatly increase the risk of depression. Let's take a look at what happens when this happens.
| Lifetime opportunity | How depression affects |
|---|---|
| Puberty | Girls are more likely to develop depression than boys from around the age of 11. This is most commonly seen in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of a condition that occurs before menstruation. |
| Pregnancy & Postpartum | Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause depression during pregnancy (prenatal depression) or after the baby is born (postpartum depression). Also, a miscarriage is a strong cause of depression for some women. |
| Menopause | During the perimenopause and postmenopause, hormone levels change dramatically. Symptoms such as excessive sweating and sleeplessness can lead to depression for the first time in your life. If you have had depression before, it is more likely to recur during this time. |
Stress in life
Due to certain social norms and responsibilities, women often face more stress than men. Just think about how many responsibilities a woman has to shoulder while working, such as housework, childcare, and caring for elderly parents. Single mothers, especially, and mothers raising children in difficult economic circumstances, are at a higher risk of depression.
Sometimes, even something as good as a promotion at work can be stressful due to the increased responsibilities that come with it. This kind of daily stress can eventually lead to depression.
The most important thing is, you don't have to go through all this alone. Asking for help is not a weakness, it's a strength.
Other diseases and health problems (Other Health Conditions)
Some physical conditions can directly affect mental health. For example, anyone diagnosed with a life-threatening illness such as a stroke, heart attack, or cancer can feel depressed. Similarly, living with chronic pain for a long time can also lead to depression.
If your overall health is poor, meaning you don't exercise properly or eat a balanced diet, this risk increases even more.
Other pre-existing mental health problems
Anxiety is also common among women. Rumination, which is the constant ruminating on the same things, can also open the door to depression. People with eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia are also at higher risk of developing depression.
How do you find relief from this situation? (Finding Relief)
Depression is a condition that can be completely cured with treatment. The most important thing is that if you are feeling this way, you should definitely talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor will be able to recommend the right medications and talk therapy for you.
In addition, there are things you can do yourself.
- Exercise: Physical activity is one of the best things you can do to boost your mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Research has shown that exercise is especially important for women. Even just 30 minutes of walking or running a day can make a big difference.
- Yoga: Yoga can help calm the mind and control anxiety and depression. It is especially beneficial during pregnancy.
- Detached Mindfulness (DM): This is a mind-training technique that teaches you to let go of negative thoughts that come to your mind without dwelling on them, analyzing them, or reacting to them. This technique has been found to reduce symptoms of depression.
The most important thing is to understand that you are not alone in this journey. Your family, friends, and especially your doctor are there to help you.
Take-Home Message
- Women are more likely to develop depression than men, and this is influenced by many factors, including genes, hormones, and lifestyle stress.
- Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause are special times when the risk of depression increases due to hormonal changes.
- Daily stress and physical illness can lead to depression.
- If you are experiencing symptoms of depression (sadness, lack of interest, loneliness), it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.
- Exercise, yoga, and mindfulness techniques can help relieve depression. Never be afraid to ask for help.
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