Causes and types of depression in women
Causes of depression in women
Women suffer from depression more than men, as one study showed that girls and women are twice as depressed as men. The causes of depression in women are as follows:
1. Genetic factor
Women with a family history of depression are more likely to develop depression than others.
2. Changes in the brain
The brains of depressed women differ from those of non-depressed people due to their body chemistry. The parts of the brain that manage moods, thoughts, appetites, and behavior in non-depressed women have the right balance of chemicals, unlike in depressed women.
3. Hormone levels fluctuate
Sudden rise and fall of estrogen and progesterone hormones in women during menstruation, pregnancy, puerperium, menopause, or miscarriage contribute to a woman's vulnerability to depression.
4. Exposure to harsh conditions
Stressful life events and extreme circumstances, such as trauma, the loss of a loved one, relationship differences, increased workload and responsibilities, caring for children and elderly parents, exposure to abuse, or facing poverty may cause depression in some women.
5. Pain sensation
Long-term emotional or physical pain in women causes depression. Pain may result from a chronic medical condition, accident, or trauma such as sexual assault.
6. The nature of the social role
Women who prefer to stay at home as housewives may become depressed as a result of not being appreciated by society, and at the same time, women who work outside the home may face inequality at work or may feel the conflict between their role as wife and housewife and this causes depression.
7. Problem facing style
Women tend to solve their everyday problems with emotion and deep thought, which causes them to become depressed, unlike men who use distraction to help them forget their problems.
How is depression in women different from men?
There are many differences between depression in women and depression in men. Depression in women differs in many ways, including:
- appears early.
- It lasts longer than a man.
- He comes back at any time, unlike a man.
- Associated with stressful life events.
- Be more sensitive to seasonal changes.
- It increases women's feelings of sadness.
- It reaches the point of suicidal ideation, though the rate of suicide in women is actually lower than in men.
- It is associated with anxiety disorders, specifically panic symptoms, phobias, and eating disorders.
Types of depression in women
After you know the causes of depression in women, here are the types of depression that affect women:
1. Major depression
Also known as major depressive disorder, this form of depression is considered severe as a woman loses her ability to enjoy activities that were once an enjoyable day.
This form of depression may affect a woman's ability to carry out her usual daily activities, such as work, sleep, eat, and her personal and social relationships.Major depression can take a long time and is often accompanied by low self-esteem in women.
2. Postpartum depression
This depression usually occurs after the birth of the baby or during pregnancy,
is often referred to as puerperal depression, and symptoms usually appear in the months following delivery.3. Persistent depressive disorder
This depression is classified as the mildest, during which a woman feels sad and lasts for two years or more. Episodes of major depression are possible during persistent depressive disorder.
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
This form of depression shows extreme mood swings, anxiety, and negative thoughts that begin in the week before menstruation begins,
and increase once menstruation begins.
Symptoms of this depression are severe and negatively affect personal relationships and daily activities.