Depression in Men vs. Women

Is there a difference in the prevalence of depression between men and women in the US? While women have received more depression diagnoses, the severity of men's depression far outweighs women. Women are diagnosed almost twice as often as men in the US. Yet, of the 44,193 suicides in 2015, 79 percent were men and 21 percent were women. A conclusion was drawn through a study of suicide prevention by Angst & Ernst in 1990 that 'women seek help - men die'. What would cause such a gap between the two genders?

Gender Differences

Symptoms of depression appear to be the same among men and women. However, the frequency and degree to which they experience these symptoms differ. Men are more likely to be irritable and angry. They experience a higher loss of self-control. They are willing to take greater risks with little to no concern for themselves or others. They experience more aggression and are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. Finally, they are more likely to commit suicide. The symptoms of depression that women are more likely to experience include an unhealthy relationship with food. Women are more likely to brood about their problems, which then exacerbates them. They are more prone to becoming withdrawn and disconnected from life. They are also more likely to seek help than men. Suicide Incidence in Men There are 3.5 male suicides for every female suicide, and it is thought that there are many factors that play into the high rate of suicides for men. Depression is one of these factors. If depression is treatable, then why are so many men not seeking treatment? It is thought that social and economic factors play a large role. Men feel they are expected to live up to the strong male image. When this doesn't coincide with how they feel, shame sets in. To ask for help would be to admit weakness. They feel that they should be able to take care of things on their own. When they get in too deep, a sense of hopelessness sets in, and this hopelessness can lead to suicide. Another destructive behavior they choose is to abuse drugs and alcohol. This amplifies their worthlessness and is one more factor that can lead to increased suicidal thoughts.

High Incidence of Depression in Women

Why do women appear to be more prone to depression than men? Women are more genetically predisposed to becoming depressed. Women's self-worth relies on the way other people view them. If they are stuck in a loveless marriage, for instance, they are more likely to believe they are not loveable. When others disagree with them, they may feel wrong and unworthy. Low self-esteem leads to depression. Women are also more prone to hormonal changes due to childbirth and menopause. These biological changes have also been associated with depression.

Other Factors

There are other factors that lead to higher suicide rates for men versus higher depression rates for women. Physicians are more likely to diagnose women with depression over men, thus increasing the number of women with depression. When men don't receive the diagnosis they need, they don't get the treatment that can help. Women however, are much more likely to become diagnosed because they are more likely to seek out an appointment with their doctor when experiencing depression symptoms. While women are getting treatment, men are left alone with their own challenges.

Coping Mechanisms

The coping mechanisms men and women exhibit vary greatly during stressful times. It is believed that women's stress hormones react differently to men's. This makes them more susceptible to depression, as they are not able to physically cope as well as men. This is when women are more likely to turn to others. They may turn to family, friends, a physician, or therapist to help them. Men, on the other hand, may be able to better physically cope with stress, but don't always choose the healthiest options. Instead, they may turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain as their coping mechanism.

Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma, including sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect, is a strong factor for incidences of depression. This is true for both men and women. Once again though, studies show that there is a greater incidence of this for women. Women learn at an early age that they must succumb to the wishes of others. This theme continues throughout their lives as they search for validation from others. This sense of powerlessness leads to depression and anxiety. Bullying is also a more prevalent behavior among girls than boys. This leads to lower self-esteem and more searching for external validation from others.

Seeking Help

Regardless of gender, there are many things that can be done to counter depression. Men or women who are feeling depressed can find a trusted friend to talk to. They can exercise, which raises endorphin levels, lifting the effects of depression. They can eat healthy, too, as the healthier someone with depression eats, the more capable they are of managing their stress. Refraining from using drugs and alcohol helps to keep their minds clear and work through challenges they may be facing. They may search for ways to relax. This can mean going for a walk, listening to relaxing music, or going for a massage. A depressed person is typically quite highly-strung, so the more relaxation responses they can create, the better they feel. They can immerse themselves in their favorite activities, as returning to joy reminds them that life is worth living. They can also get support. This can be through a group, through family, through friends, or even through social media groups experiencing similar challenges. If the depression is persistent, a physician should be contacted to suggest treatment options. There are many questions raised by researchers over whether there is enough data on the prevalence of depression in men. If there is such a high incidence of suicide among them, wouldn't it beg the question that men may be more depressed? Is it possible that due to their reluctance to seek help, researchers are not getting the full picture? Each year, more data is revealed that leads to more answers. These answers may lead to greater solutions for depressed men and women.