“Depression” can mean a lot of different things and it can be experienced in a variety of ways. Children and teens may act out more when feeling depressed than those that are older. Women often report more feelings of sadness than men and men tend to experience more anger and reckless behaviors associated with depression. Older adults tend to experience depression more physically and may report feelings of hopelessness more often than those that are younger. While this may be true for many in these demographics, that may not be the case for all. Depression is experienced in different ways, unique to each individual.

Depression is often depicted in movies, television and literature. While it is a popular topic, even in these portrayals it is described differently. Erica Westly of Scientific American writes, “To Emily Dickinson, it was ‘fixed melancholy.’ To essayist George Santayana, it was ‘rage spread thin.’”

Statistics and Depression

There are over 150 million people around the world who experience depression. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of depression in adults (aged 40 to 59) in the United States is roughly 10 percent.

There are many other interesting figures about depression. According to Healthline, the incidence and prevalence rates vary by gender, age, and ethnicity. In particular, it says, “Women are twice as likely to have depression, and symptoms of depression, as men of the same age.” While this trend has been found by many studies, it may be complicated by a number of factors.

Depression and Gender

There is growing evidence that symptoms of depression may vary with gender. Recognizing these differences in the depressive symptoms between men and women is important for diagnosis and treatment. According to the Scientific American article, “For women, the primary emotion of depression is usually sadness. For men, it is more typically anger or irritability, often coupled with recklessness.” Consequently, the chance of men ignoring the symptoms and going untreated is higher.

What could be causing these differences? According to Mental Health America, the contributing influences to the susceptibility of women to depression include biological and social or cultural factors.

The biological factors include “developmental, reproductive, hormonal, genetic and other biological differences (e.g., premenstrual syndrome, childbirth, infertility and menopause).” PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) aren’t really unusual among women. About 20 to 40 percent experience PMS, and 3 to 5 percent are estimated to experience PMDD. The symptoms include depressive symptoms the week before their monthly period.

The social factors, on the other hand, include “stress from work, family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women and increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty.”

Cultural vs. Biological: The Science Behind the Differences

Could it be biological that women with depression experience more sadness and men have the tendency to be angry or impulsive when depressed, or is it more cultural?

Some experts believe that there should be no significant differences in symptoms between the genders, because the brain chemistry of depression is basically the same for both. They believe that social norms and expectations influence how symptoms are expressed.

These “cultural believers,” however, may be becoming more the minority. More experts today support the idea that biology plays an important role in depression. There is growing evidence that hormones influence depression and its symptoms. The evidence that hormones affect brain chemistry is undeniable, from the womb and throughout life. Though brain chemistry is basically the same regardless of gender, the interactions of hormones (and their varying levels) with the neurotransmitters could be different, explaining prevalence and symptom differences.

Seeking Help from Someone Who Understands

When men manifest recklessness and irritability for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of depression, even when they aren’t sad. When overwhelmed by responsibilities, women may feel sad and want to isolate, this could also be a symptom of depression. An independent therapist contracted with Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina, NC, can help you make the distinction and help you sort out what your specific symptoms mean.

Depression is powerful, but don’t let it leave you feeling powerless. Help is available. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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