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Depression in women: Understanding the gender gap
Life situations and culture affecting depression in women
It's not just biology that may account for the higher rate of depression in women. Your life situation and cultural stressors may play a role, too. Although these stressors also occur in men, it's usually at a lower rate. Factors that may add to a woman's risk include:
Unequal power and status
In general, American women earn less money than men do. Single women with children have one of the highest poverty rates in the United States. Low socioeconomic status brings with it many concerns and stressors, including uncertainty about the future and less access to community and health care resources. Minority women might also face added stress from racial discrimination. These issues can make you feel as if you don't have control over your life. That, in turn, can contribute to feelings of passivity, negativism and lack of self-esteem, which all increase your risk of depression.
Work overload
Often women work outside the home and still handle domestic chores. Many women find themselves dealing with the challenges and stress that can accompany single parenthood, such as working multiple jobs to make ends meet. Also, women may find themselves caregivers sandwiched between generations — caring for their young children while also caring for sick or older family members. These kinds of stressors might make you vulnerable to depression.
Sexual and physical abuse
Women who were emotionally, physically or sexually abused as children are more likely to experience depression at some point in their lives than are those who weren't abused. And women are more likely than are men to experience sexual abuse. Women who were sexually assaulted as teenagers or who experience abuse as adults also have a higher incidence of depression.
Treatment for depression in women
Although it might seem as if your female biology, life situations, culture and psychological issues all weigh against you, there's effective treatment for depression. Even severe depression often can be successfully treated.
Not sure how to get treatment? Consider turning to your primary care provider first. This may be your family doctor, a nurse practitioner, an obstetrician or a gynecologist. If your depression is mild or moderate, your primary care provider may be able to guide your treatment. Otherwise, he or she can refer you to a mental health provider for evaluation and treatment.
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