Women in the male profession have an increased risk of depression. This was reported by the Hans Beckler Foundation in Impuls magazine. Researchers examined the health effects of non-standard work for women.
What results did the researchers get?
About 7 million people in Russia suffer from depression. Women suffer 2 times more often than men. There are several explanatory approaches to these differences. Nevertheless, none of them could sufficiently justify this phenomenon. A common assumption is that depression is recognized more quickly in women than in men.
Women tend to talk about their fears and mood swings. Men tend to blame objects or people for their bad mood.
In addition, men tend to reduce their depressive symptoms through aggression or drugs.
The relationship between the unequal distribution of sexes by profession and depression stems from social conditions. Therefore, minorities, such as women in the workplaces of men, are under an increased burden. They are under special observation and must constantly show themselves in order to avoid prejudice.
Women often suffer from bullying or social exclusion. Stress and conflicts between work and family life can statistically explain, in particular, an increased tendency to depression.
The fact that a similar relationship is not obvious to men seems plausible given the results of other studies. Thus, men in the professions of women often even benefit from their minority status.
Not so simple: men die more often due to suicide
Men suffer from depression as often as women, but hide it longer. It should also be noted that men are more likely to commit suicide. At the same time, women make more suicide attempts.
Because men resort to more radical means, such as shooting or hanging, their suicides are higher.
Women, on the other hand, are more likely to overdose and can often be saved on time. Different numbers may also be based on the diagnostic criteria of doctors.
Are women less stable?
Some researchers call hormonal causes an explanation for the more common depression in women. Depression is especially common during periods of hormonal change, such as after the birth of a baby ("postpartum depression") or during menopause.
However, sex hormones are not antidepressants as such. According to studies, depression seems to depend on how sensitively the brain responds to hormone levels.
In addition, it is widely believed that biological and psychosocial factors always converge at the onset of depression.
Some researchers see fundamental differences in the behavior and thinking of women and men. It is also believed that young women, in particular, are more prone to thoughtfulness, negative self-esteem and high demands on themselves.
In addition, girls and young women often have a negative body image. All of this can make them more vulnerable to depression.
Social status and success are more important for men
Yet many men also suffer from depression. They are more likely to focus on results and successes, and are especially at risk of depression if their social status is threatened. If they feel deprived of their professional life or consider that their merits are not sufficiently recognized, depression also develops.
Other known risk factors for men are same-sex relationships, divorce or separation, homosexuality, unemployment, or chronic illnesses. Women are more likely to be at risk if they are married, have children, do not work, or have sick family members. Poor economic conditions in both sexes contribute to depression.
The causes of various types of depression in women and men are very different, and none of them can explain the phenomenon. Nevertheless, it seems appropriate to take into account specific human risk factors.
