The Depression Factor for Women
Before adolescence you don't see much difference between the rate of depression found in boys or girls. However, between ages 11 and 13 you see a rise in the rates of depression in girls. By the time a girl is 15 she is twice as likely to have already experienced a significant depressive episode compared to what the boys experience.
Adolescent years are full of stresses and challenges. This is the time when identities are being formed, sexuality is emerging, kids are distancing themselves from their parents, and the hormones are changing and ranging. The intellect as well as the physical and hormonal changes can stretch these adolescents to their wits end.
Research reveals that high school students of the female persuasion are far more likely to experience the following than their male counterparts -
- Higher Rates of Depression
- Eating Disorders
- Adjustment Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
Overview of Stress
Stress overall is proven to contribute to many illnesses. It attacks and weakens the immune system. Stress has been labeled the biggest killer of today, mainly because it is at the root of all other problems.
The stress levels in young adolescent females and mature single mothers is a force that they find very difficult to deal with. The high depression rates found in young girls and women is not due to them being more vulnerable, but to them suffering from more stress-related pressures. They have major responsibilities as they follow their motherly instincts taking care of kids and sometimes older family members.
When you look at the depression rates of both men and women, the ones who experience the highest rates are the ones who are divorced or separated. It is lower among married couples, however, the rate for females still remain higher than for men.
Drug Abuse and Depression in Women
Because of their already heightened stress levels and depression rates, many women turn to drugs and alcohol. Substance abuse is very common among people battling depressive disorders. Alcohol, for instance, is a known 'central nervous system' depressant. It triggers things like sadness, lethargy, and hopelessness. Substance abuse and depression feed off one another.
Dual Diagnosis
Whenever someone is suffering from both addiction and depression it's known as a 'dual diagnosis'. This is a combination of any mental disorder like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety, and any addiction like gambling, sex, alcohol, or drugs.
In the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry a report states that 1 out of every 3 adults who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse suffer from depression as well.
It is during times like a woman's menstrual cycle or postpartum depression that women are more susceptible to looking to drugs or alcohol to help cope with their depression.
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