The worst enemy for humans in the 21st century is depression. No one knows when and how depression knocks on your door and turns your life into tormented reality. But, did you know that depression discriminates between genders? Well, what we’re trying to convey is that depression manifests in the female and male body in different ways.
You would be surprised to know that women who experience sex discrimination are three times more likely to report depression than their counterparts. One in five women has been diagnosed with poor mental health.
But, why do women who face sexism have higher risks of depression? Let’s find out!
Depression rates are higher in females
According to a study published in Health Psychology journal, there is a connection between a woman’s traumatic or abusive experiences and mental well-being. Since ages, there have been so many stereotypes prevalent in society to label females as ‘weaker’ sex. Due to these pre-conceived notions, girls grow up believing that they should remain silent and accept the treatment they are dished out.
Dr. Ruth Hackett, the lead author of the research, states, “Repeated exposure to stress may also lead to ‘wear and tear’ that disrupts normal biological processes.”
Statistics
As per the study, there were multiple situations when a girl perceives discrimination:
· Outside the street (77%)
· Public transport (39.9%)
· Bus or train stations (38.9%)
· School or workplace (12%)
· Home environment (10.5%)
Depressed females tend to develop psychological distress, lack of contentment, and poor mental functioning.
How does puberty play a significant role in mental health issues?
The most basic and scientific explanation that girls mature faster than boys is the reason behind higher depression rates amongst women. Puberty for girls is associated with several factors including temporary mood swings resulting from fluctuating hormones. When girls reach adolescence, they experience sexuality and identity crises, conflicts with parents, and increasing school pressure. This discomfort translates into serious problems like anxiety and hypersomnia, and lack of impulse control.
Other causes of depression amongst women
As the girls grow old, their premenstrual problems make them even more vulnerable to mental health issues. If premenstrual syndrome (PMS) elevates to a high level, it might disrupt a woman’s ordinary life, or studies, or job or relationship. Also, during pregnancy and the postpartum period, women feel a sense of low self-esteem. They regard themselves as bad moms, or due to poor social support, as incompetent moms.
Women have complicated lives, right from fighting unequal power and status to handling work overload to suffering from physical abuse. These things trigger hopelessness, helplessness, and eventually, cause depression.
Tackling sexism is equally vital as fighting depression. Both men and women can easily fall prey to depression. But, the difference is that men tend to externalize their depressive mood states, while women internalize their feelings of depression. Conditioned due to social structures, women end up in the circle of isolation and avoidance!