For years, mental health has been put at the backburner, with society labeling it as a taboo subject. But thankfully, the discussion on mental health has been put in the forefront in recent times, with more and more people talking about it. People are now giving attention to their mental health and spreading awareness. However, there is still more to be done on the subject.
Anyone can be afflicted by a mental health disorder. But somehow, men tend to suffer more in silence with depression compared to women. While biology may be a factor, gender politics also plays a significant role in this discovery. This article will compare the differences in depression between men and women and discuss why men are less likely to seek treatment.
How Depression Affects Women
Depression can be triggered by a number of reasons, from biological factors to external aspects such as socioeconomic status and cultural impact.
Age
For women, age can be a factor to consider. In particular, women can be more prone to depression during puberty and menopause. This is due to the hormonal fluctuations experienced by women during these life stages.
Lack of Serotonin
In particular, the hormone serotonin plays a significant role in depression. Serotonin is essential in mood stabilization and is a chemical that encourages feelings of well-being and happiness. But serotonin can get affected by the hormones estrogen and progesterone. When these two hormones drop, so does serotonin. And when there’s a lack of serotonin in the brain, a person can experience feelings of depression.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are also signs of depression prevalent in women. While the above cause is more biological, depression resulting from eating disorders can be triggered by societal standards and expectations.
Unrealistic Beauty Standards
The unrealistic beauty standards set upon women by society from a young age can lead many women to the path of eating disorders. The pressure society imposes on women has a significant impact on both their mental and physical health. That’s why, when discussing mental health, it’s also vital to open the discussion to other serious topics such as eating disorders and societal pressure.
How Depression Affects Men
At first, it may seem that men don’t suffer that much from depression, but the opposite is true. Men silently suffer from depression, and the signs can often be harder to detect in men than in women. This may be because men tend to hide their emotions and exhibit a so-called high-functioning depression. This behavior can cause the condition to go overlooked.
The unfortunate thing with depression in men is that they tend to self-medicate. They may do this through alcohol consumption and substance abuse, which can only worsen the condition. Men also tend to express their depression through anger, which can lead to violent outbursts and episodes.
Because the signs of depression can be more challenging to detect in men, they often go undiagnosed. Without receiving professional help and treatment, their depression may become more severe. This is why suicide rates are usually higher in men than women.
Why Are Men More Likely to Ignore Their Symptoms?
The reason men are less likely to seek professional help may be found in their upbringing. At a young age, men are taught to hide their emotions. This can stunt their emotional growth, making it more difficult for them to manage their feelings in a healthy way.
For a long time, the misogynistic ideals of society have not just endangered women but also men. This wrong notion that men are not allowed to feel or cry puts them at more risk of depression. It is crucial to correct these misguided teachings and give men the freedom to have a healthy relationship with their emotions.
Final Thoughts
The ability to feel does not have a gender. No matter your age, race, sex, or socioeconomic status, we all have a right to process our emotions in a safe and healthy manner. That’s why it’s so important to talk about these things and allow ourselves to feel. Our obligation as a society is to correct the mistakes of the past and move toward a healthier and more forgiving future. Remember, it is okay to cry. It is human to feel.
Take the first step towards better mental health with Dr. Stephanie Lyn Coleman. We create personalized mental health treatment plans that emphasize supported integration and focus on the whole person to achieve sustainable results. We believe that everyone deserves to love their life, themselves, and truly experience happiness free of worry. Schedule an initial evaluation today!
