Gender Differences With Depression

Men and Women Suffer Differently

Research and clinical evidence and research studies show that while both women and men can develop symptoms of depression, they often suffer from Depression differently and may have different ways of coping with the symptoms. Indicators of Depression also can appear totally different between the Genders. Researchers at MeloncholyWaves.Com have identified the following differences:

Men

An estimated six million men in the United States suffer from some type of Depression. Men exhibit indicators of anger, fatigue, irritability, loss of interest in work or hobbies, and sleep disturbances, whereas Depression in women is characterized more often with REPORTED feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt.

Societal demands sometimes propel Men to hide the signs of Depression. Also, Men are less likely to analyze and label their symptoms. Many men are surprised at the diagnosis, and came to to the doctor or program for an anger-management issue in the first place; only to realize, (be informed) that their behavior may be a result of untreated depression. The truth is freeing, because now, instead of self-medicating with alcohol or other mind-altering chemicals, they can receive real help!

Risk factors for Depression in Men:

• Low tolerance to stress, or extremely stressful workplace
• Behaviors such as “acting out” and being impulsive, ADHD
• A history,(personal or family), of alcohol or substance abuseA family history of depression or suicide
• Cultural demands on the male gender that are stress-producing; pressure to perform

Women

Women experience depression twice as often as men. The diagnostic criteria for depression are the same for both sexes, but women with depression more frequently experience guilt, anxiety, increased appetite and sleep, weight gain and comorbid eating disorders. Research shows that the higher prevalence of depression in women is most likely due to a combination of gender-related differences in cognitive styles, certain biologic factors and a higher incidence of psychosocial and economic stresses in women. Many times, real indicators of diagnosable Depression are minimized by a women’s surrounding support system, or even the woman herself, “Oh, you know Elizabeth, she cries at the drop of a hat, that’s just because she’s oversensitive;” or “I know I should be cleaning my house better, I guess I’ve just been a lazy-girl” The message is one of shame and embarrassment, when it should be viewed and acted-upon as a possible indicator of Depression.

Risk Factors for Depression in Women:

• Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse
• Family history of mood disorders
• Personal past history of mood disorders in early reproductive years
• Loss of a parent before the age of 10 years
• Use of an oral contraceptive, especially one with a high progesterone content
• Persistent psychosocial stressors, job-loss, discrimination, sexual harrassment, divorce
• Loss of social support system or the threat of such a loss

Whether you are a man or woman who suffers from Depression, we urge you to get treated for this serious condition. Why? Because left untreated the condition can become worse.

“Sex differences in suicidal behavior have long been recognized,” Dr. Maria A. Oquendo, of Columbia University, New York, and colleagues write. “Studies have shown that men have higher suicide rates, while women are at higher risk for suicide attempts,” they note.

Gender differences do exist in the manifestations of Depression. However, hope and treatment has been shown to be equally effective between men and women. We suffer differently, but we can both recover!

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