Statistics of Depression in Women.
The following statistics for depression in women have been taken from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). As explained in depression in women, prevalence of depression in women is higher than in men due to
- hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause,
- family, work and society pressures and
- the threshold of stress is lower in women than in men.
Facts on Depression in Women.
- About one in eight women experience depression in their lifetime.
- In the United States, about 12 million women experience depression each year.
- That is, twice the number of women are likely to develop depression than men regardless of their race, ethnic background and income status. This gender differentiation regarding depression starts from puberty till menopause.
- Depression is more common in women between the ages of 25 years to 44 years.
- Depression in women lasts for a longer time and tend to recur more often.
- Depression rates as the number one factor to cause disability in women.
- Depression is more common in married women than single or divorced women while the reverse is true in men.
- Among married women it is more common in housewives than working women, probably due to the fact that a working woman’s mind is occupied with work while a housewife’s mind dwells only on the pressures and stress of responsibility and compulsions towards husband and children.
- However single mothers are thrice more prone to develop depression than married mothers.
- There is a greater risk of depression in women who have been victims of sexual and physical abuse.
- Twice the number of women than men attempt suicide, though more men die of suicide than women.
- Only 20% of the women who suffer from depression seek treatment.
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