Why women are more likely to become depressed than men

While depression affects both men and women, research consistently shows that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men.

Women are about twice as likely to experience depression as men, according to various studies, which include those from the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

This gender disparity in depression rates is influenced by a complex interplay of biological, social, and psychological factors.

Here are all the reasons I could find why women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men.

1. Biological factors
   

• • Hormonal differences

Women experience more frequent hormonal fluctuations than men, particularly during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.

These hormonal changes can increase vulnerability to depression by affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters in the brain.

For instance, estrogen and progesterone fluctuate significantly during menstrual cycles and pregnancy and can impact serotonin levels, which is a key signaling molecule in regulating mood.

• • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

In addition to the general hormonal fluctuations that women experience, some suffer from PMDD, which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that includes extreme mood swings, irritability, and depressive symptoms in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

PMDD affects a small but significant percentage of women and can make depressive symptoms worse during certain times of the month.

• • Genetic predisposition

Some studies suggest that women may have a genetic predisposition to mood disorders.

Research has identified certain genetic factors that could contribute to a higher risk of depression in women, though more research is needed to fully understand these genetic links.

• • Overlap with anxiety disorders

Women are statistically more likely to experience anxiety disorders than men, and anxiety is often a precursor to or co-occurs with depression.

Chronic anxiety can lead to mental and physical exhaustion, which can be a possible trigger for amplifying depressive symptoms.

This overlapping risk of anxiety and depression makes women more vulnerable to developing depression due to creating a cycle where each condition can intensify the other.

• • Menopause and reproductive life events

Women also go through unique life stages such as menopause and pregnancy, which can contribute to mood disturbances.

Postpartum depression can affect some women after childbirth and is a clear example of how reproductive events and hormonal shifts can trigger depression.

• • Chronic illness and pain

Women are more likely to experience chronic health issues, such as autoimmune diseases, migraines, and chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, all of which are known to increase the risk of mood disorders.

Living with persistent physical symptoms can be emotionally exhausting and affect the overall quality of life.

The combination of physical and mental strain can make it difficult to cope, increasing vulnerability to mental issues.

2. Social and environmental factors
   
   

• • Social roles and expectations

Women often face societal pressures related to family, work, and appearance, potentially increasing stress and susceptibility to mood disorders.

Cultural expectations of caregiving, domestic responsibilities, and emotional labor can contribute to an overwhelming sense of responsibility, leading to tension and burnout.

This chronic stress is a strong danger factor for becoming depressed, and among women who may feel they must meet unrealistic standards.

• • Higher rates of trauma and abuse

Women are statistically more likely to experience certain types of traumas, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, and harassment.

These negative experiences can lead to persistent stress, low self-esteem, and an increased risk of becoming depressed.

The cumulative effect of shock can result in lasting emotional and psychological impacts and make women more vulnerable to depression than men.

• • Work-life balance

Career barriers and a busy work-life balance are additional stressors that disproportionately impact women.

Balancing work and family life often creates added pressure. That’s especially true for women with limited support systems.

These external stressors contribute to psychological issues by creating a cycle of strain and frustration that impacts mental health.

• • Isolation due to motherhood

New mothers with limited support systems may experience intense feelings of isolation and loneliness.

This lack of social interaction and assistance during the postpartum period can increase the threat of postpartum depression.

In addition, expectations that women should find fulfillment in motherhood can create pressure to suppress negative feelings.

• • Midlife role changes

Aging women may face unique social stressors such as the “empty nest” syndrome, caregiving for aging parents, and potential marital issues, including divorce.

These role transitions can result in depression due to the potential loneliness or lack of purpose.

3. Psychological factors

• • Rumination tendencies

Research implies that women are more likely to engage in rumination, which is a pattern of repeatedly focusing on negative feelings, experiences, or thoughts.

Rumination can intensify depressive symptoms by reinforcing a negative mindset and making it difficult to move on from challenging events.

Men, on the other hand, are more likely to cope through distraction, which can be a protective factor against prolonged depression.

• • Higher sensitivity to interpersonal relationships

Women are often more influenced by the quality of their interpersonal relationships, and difficulties in relationships are known to be a major trigger for depression.

Social rejection, conflict, and loss can affect anyone, but women may experience a greater emotional impact from these circumstances, which heightens their risk of depression.

• • Self-esteem and body image concerns

Body image and self-esteem are other areas where women can experience more pressure than men. Partly due to societal expectations and the influence of the media.

Unrealistic standards of beauty and self-worth can lead to feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, which worsen a person’s mood.

• • Focus on relational and emotional coping

While men are more likely to use distraction or problem-solving as coping mechanisms, women are often more inclined toward emotional and relational coping strategies.

And while emotional processing can be beneficial in some instances, it can also make women more susceptible to rumination, where they may repeatedly focus on negative experiences or emotions.

This tendency to dwell on problems without resolution can worsen one’s mood and make it more challenging to break out of a depressive cycle.

• • Self-criticism and self-blame

Research has shown that women are more likely to engage in self-critical or self-blaming thoughts when they face challenges or setbacks.

Being inclined to internalize failure or responsibility for negative events can create a sense of guilt, worthlessness, and shame.

Men are more likely to externalize problems and blame outward factors, or focus on solutions, which can act as a protective factor against depression.

• • More frequent health care access

Women are more likely to seek medical and mental health care than men, which leads to higher rates of diagnosis.

While this is partially a result of proactive health-seeking behaviors, it also means that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, whereas men may go undiagnosed.

Although seeking help is beneficial, the higher diagnosis rate can skew statistics, making it appear as though depression is less common in men when it might not always be the case.

Depression in men: Why it’s often underreported and undiagnosed

While women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with depression, depression in men is often underreported and less likely to be diagnosed due to a combination of social and psychological factors.

Here’s why:

• Cultural expectations and stigma around masculinity

Many cultures have ingrained beliefs about masculinity that discourage men from expressing vulnerability or emotional difficulties.

Men may feel pressured to “tough it out” rather than seek help, as showing emotional distress may be seen as a sign of weakness.

This societal stigma around mental health can make men more likely to suppress their feelings and can lead to depression going unrecognized or untreated.

• Different expressions of depressive symptoms

Men often experience and express depression differently from women, making it harder to identify these signs.

This difference in expression is not that weird if we acknowledge the fact that men and women are biologically different and have variable personalities.

Instead of sadness or hopelessness, which are commonly recognized symptoms, men may exhibit signs like anger, irritability, risk-taking behaviors, and even aggression.

These symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to personality rather than mental health issues, and create an underdiagnosis.

• Use of substances as a coping mechanism
  
  

Men with depression may be more likely to turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with their feelings, which can mask depressive symptoms and lead to further health complications.

Substance abuse can also be a way to avoid confronting underlying emotional issues, contributing to a cycle where depression goes untreated.

• Lower likelihood of seeking help

Research shows that men are generally less likely than women to seek professional help for psychological issues.

This reluctance can delay diagnosis and treatment and allow symptoms to worsen over time.

Males are often more likely to try self-management or avoidance strategies, which may provide temporary relief but unfortunately don’t address the root causes of their depression.

• Impact of work-related stress and financial pressure

Although both genders experience work stress, men may feel especially affected by financial pressures and expectations related to career success.

Societal norms around men as “providers” can create stress that impacts their mental health, but men may hesitate to discuss this openly because they fear being judged or stigmatized.

Gender differences in depression summarized:

• Why women are more likely to experience depression:

• • Biological factors such as hormonal fluctuations and genetic predispositions.

• • Greater exposure to trauma and societal stressors, such as caregiving responsibilities.

• • Psychological tendencies toward rumination and sensitivity to interpersonal issues.

• • Social pressures related to body image, appearance, and self-worth.

• Why depression in men may be underreported:

• • Social stigma discourages men from expressing vulnerability.

• • Different symptom expression, with men often displaying anger or irritability rather than sadness, which is typically associated with depression.

• • Higher likelihood of using substances or engaging in risk-taking behaviors as coping mechanisms.

• • Reluctance to seek help, which is compounded by societal expectations around masculinity.

Conclusion

While depression affects both men and women, females are far more likely to become depressed. About two times as much to be precise.

The reasons and expressions of this mental health condition differ across genders due to a combination of biological, social, and psychological components.