Depression by Gender (Men vs. Women)

Women suffer a far greater depression rate than men do. In fact, according to the National Institute for Mental Health, women are 70 percent more likely to experience depression at some point in life than men are. There are many reasons why scientists believe that women have higher instances of depression, some of which include the increasingly difficult balance of work and home responsibilities for many women and mothers. Furthermore, natural hormonal changes that occur throughout the course of a woman’s life can also lead to episodes of depression. Examples include the changing hormones associated with adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, the post-partum period, and menopause. 

Often, women experience depression with feelings of anxiety, guilt and hopelessness. They may become introverted or avoid interactions with other people – including close family members. Women are also more likely than men to attempt suicide when depressed.

Men, on the other hand, do not experience depression as much as women, nor do they cope with the symptoms in the same ways. Men are more likely to be mentally and emotionally suppressive, coping with feelings of depression with greater involvement in work, drugs or alcohol. Men are more likely to be abusive when depressed than women are, and are also more likely to experience insomnia, discouragement, anger, and irritability.

If you have depression, you may want to get therapy. Counseling may help lessen your depression.