About twice as many women have depression as men. As a woman, your gender and depression perception are not the same as a man’s. People might think your condition is due to weakness, or they may think it’s hormonal. It is true that hormonal changes cause mood swings. However, depression in women is more pervasive and complex. If you need women’s depression treatment, contact the experts at the Willows at Red Oak today.
Key Factors in Gender and Depression Perception
1. Genetics
The perception that depression is a weakness in women is false. Genetics are up to 50% responsible for depression. If your parent or sibling is dealing with depression, you are at greater risk too. Studies with twins show that depression runs in families.
2. Environment
The environment you grew up in can be a factor in your depression. If you suffered abuse as a child, you are more likely to struggle with depression. If you experienced neglect or trauma, that would also increase your risk.
Women are two to three times more prone to post-traumatic stress disorder than men. Also, types of trauma differ between genders. Combat, natural disasters, and accidents affect men more often. Trauma like sexual abuse and rape are more common among women. Because they are personal, they directly harm your self-image.
3. Culture
Cultural differences affect gender and depression perception. Historically, oppression isolates women and increases the risk of depression. Cultural norms that impose strict gender roles can also harm you.
4. Gender-Related Factors
Other gender-related factors worsen depression. Domestic violence affects more than twice as many women as men. Physical and emotional abuse worsen depression. They frequently lead to substance use issues too.
How Does Depression Affect Society?
When you’re depressed, you can’t live your life to the fullest. The disease forces you to put your dreams on hold. As a woman, you cannot meet your potential. Your career, family, and social life suffer. You forget about what’s important as the disease takes over.
About one in eight American women have depression. The disease has a significant impact on society. When you cannot contribute to your fullest, society has fewer resources.
In terms of dollars and cents, mental illness costs nearly two billion dollars annually. This is the staggering cost of lost wages when people miss work due to depression and other mental illnesses.
Fortunately, you have effective treatment options. A combination of therapies, medication, and peer support can help. You can work with women’s depression and dual diagnosis experts.
How Do Gender and Depression Factor into Dual Diagnoses?
As a woman with depression, you are likely to struggle with substance abuse as well. Depression and substance use disorder are a common dual diagnosis. To be effective, your treatment must address both issues.
Gender and depression perception can significantly affect such a co-occurring condition. As a woman, you may garner sympathy. People may excuse or even enable you. They may think you aren’t strong enough to beat a dual diagnosis because of your gender, your abusive relationship, or your exhaustive schedule.
These perceptions work against your recovery. The judgment of others only makes your situation more difficult. Your successful treatment depends upon the support of those around you and a positive environment for change.
The Willows: A Safe Environment Where Women Can Heal
At the Willows of Red Oak Recovery, we offer you a supportive place to heal. Our women’s treatment programs address gender-specific issues in depression and dual-diagnosis therapies. We address addictions such as:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
Contact the Willows at Red Oak today at 855.773.0614 to learn more.
