Stress and the Cross that Women Carry

Depression is more common in women than in men, in the ratio 2:1. In fact, it is estimated that up to 70% of people suffering from depression are women.  This stark disparity has led theorists to ask: why are women are so much more susceptible to depression than men?  And how can women keep depression at bay?

One cause of women’s susceptibility to depression is linked very closely to an individual’s perception of how ‘controllable’ their environment is.  Experts argue that the more one believes that he or she has the mastery and control over his/her life, the less likely one is to develop depression.

A woman is always under pressure to please many people; her husband, her in-laws, her relatives, her employer, her domestic employees, her children and the people around her. Unfortunately, a woman who is depressed is not in a position to please anyone.

Men are encouraged to be assertive, independent and masters of their life while women are encouraged to be more passive, over-sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and to rely on others.

  The woman’s feelings are not put into consideration in most cases. The loss of command or control makes many women feel trapped. They feel that they have no say on what direction their lives should take.  This powerlessness predisposes them to depression.