Essay on Depression

Gender also plays a role as depression and its symptoms have been observed in women more than in men particularly beginning from adolescence until their mid-fifties (CITE 5). It can also occur in conjunction with other illnesses such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease (CITE-2). Lastly the mental disorder can also be triggered by tough life events endured by an individual for instance passing of a loved one, relationship or financial hardships can contribute

Throughout the nation and our world people are suffering from this disease. Depression affects people of both genders, all ages, and any background. The history of mental illness, specifically depression were extremely helpful in today’s treatment and diagnosis. We know that all individuals are different and because of this, we can assume that each case of mental illness, more specifically depression, is unique in its own way as well. One treatment that is very effective for one person may not be equally as effective in a similar case simply because of the differences in patients. History, types of depression, symptoms, and treatments are all equally important in finding ways to help one who is suffering from depression.

The female population makes up the other half of the entire human race, how depression affects them should not be glazed over. He touches on the topic very briefly, and makes valid points but not enough to capture all of the knowledge. “And urban North American women, the most affluent demographic of the study, were the most likely to experience depression” (Junger, 20). While he does touch on the topic, this is one of the few quotes that focuses on women and depression in North America, not even regarding that this applies to women in most societies as well. Kastrup wrote an article called Cultural Aspects of Depression: “It is well documented that women run a greater risk in most cultures: overall, women have a 1.5-2 times greater risk of suffering from depression compared with men. In the Cross-National Collaborative Group, women in all countries had a higher prevalence with a female:male ratio varying from 1.6 in Lebanon to 3.1 in West Germany.” Again, Junger did include a brief mention of women, but narrowed it down to North American women, when it clearly expands to other

Depression in itself is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that prevents neurons, the cells that compose the brain, from functioning properly. This occurs when the synaptic vesicles and receptor sites of the neurons become blocked, consequently preventing the chemical signals known as neurotransmitters from being transmitted from neuron to neuron. The reduction of this brain impulse activity is commonly seen in depressed patients making it argued that due to the lack of transmitting impulses occurring in the brain results in a hormonal imbalance, which plays a major role in the mood of an individual. As a result of this chemical imbalance in the brain a person may experience what is called clinical depression. However, clinical depression is not the only common type of depression. Environmental depression is another example that is caused by stressful events occurring to or around an individual such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or financial instabilities such as job loss. This kind of depression often leads people to feel powerless in a dire situation. Be that as it may, depression in itself seems to be more commonly seen in women than in men. Countering this is, in its most dramatic aftermath- death by committing suicide- the rates seem to be much higher in men than in women. Regardless of the type of depression or who has it most often, it is imperative to reach these people before they

The first way to help someone suffering with depression is to recognize when a person might be depressed. People may not realize it, but gender stereotypes can play a large role in people 's views of depression. Although women are more likely to get depression, many seem to think that depression is just 'a woman 's disease '. However, that 's not the case, anybody can be affected. "Major depressive disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. Each year about 6.7% of U.S adults experience major depressive disorder." (Depression) Stereotypes can play a huge role in not noticing depression as a factor for severe mood change in men. A new study suggests that both genders are less likely to view men as being depressed and in need of help from professionals, even if the symptoms are identical to a woman 's. "It’s a well-known fact that men and women who behave the same way in the exact same situation—whether it’s a job interview, a

Have you ever met someone who is depressed? I have; last year my mom was diagnosed with a mild case of depression. The first thing the doctor did when she went in for her doctor's appointment was prescribed her antidepressants. Before doing this research, I never knew depression was such a big problem in the United States. According to All About Depression, “Depression affects approximately 19 million Americans, or 9.5% of the population in any given one-year period” (“All About Depression: Overview”). Most people are asking these two major questions: What kind of treatments are available to help treat depression and how do these treatments work? Depression can be treated using several different methods such as antidepressants, talk therapy, exercise, and electroconvulsive therapy. Finding a treatment that is successful for you is very important because depression can do a lot of

Depression is not just a woman’s illness but according to the National Institute of Mental Health women are diagnosed with depression twice as often as men. Twenty percent of women will have major depression in their lifetime.

Depression is a mood disorder in which someone feels so sad that they cannot function normally. (Field,9) Depression takes a major toll on not only one person, but for their friends and families lives too. Depression makes people think about themselves in the worst way possible. They feel worthless, hopeless, and guilty, and sometimes it is for no reason. (Field,11) They feel like they cannot talk to anyone about what is wrong because they fear they may judge them. Three hundred and fifty million people worldwide suffer from depression (WHO). Twenty million of which are in the United States (Dosomething). Women are twice as likely than men to become depressed (WHO). People can become depressed at any time or age (Dosomething). Eight percent

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), commonly called depression, is almost twice as prevalent in women than it is in men (Cyranowski, Frank, Young, & Shear, 2000). Previously it was thought that this statistic was so because women were more likely to seek help than men were for this disease. However, this has been widely discounted by the gender difference seen across the world (Cyranowski, Frank, Young, & Shear, 2000). With the rising cases of MDD, and the higher likelihood of being diagnosed at younger ages, depression is becoming more accepted and less stigmatized in society. Causes of the disorder are heavily intertwined between social-causation, neurological/genetic disposition and psychological-causation. Treatment ranges from group and single therapy to medication with all sorts of other types in-between. This paper aims to look at the causes and outcomes of MDD in women and the potential treatments.

There are many causes of depression. It can be from interpersonal problems (poor social skills, getting bullied), developmental issues (childhood abuse, family issues), personality causes (irrational concerns, depressive thinking), biological factors (changes in brain chemistry, genes), and religious reasons. For treatment preferences, women tend to accept treatment more and would prefer counseling as compared to men. Those who had a better knowledge of what counseling is like would prefer counseling over medication.

Depression is doubted due to the overwhelming number of misconceptions of the illness. People do not take the time to understand the disease, they just say it’s in one’s head and simply move on; but this global health issue is not just a choice, there is much backing up the cause. Depression is usually hereditary and tends to hit women more often than men. Clinical depression, also known as melancholia, is caused by fears and despondencies of the brain. When

Depression affects men and women of all shapes and sizes. The difference only comes in the degree it affects an individual. As much as it is more common in women, it is easier for women to deal with it than men. I chose this topic in order to show and explain that depression is not a weakness, and men should not shy away from dealing with it. Instead, seek help in the early stages. I have learned the importance of sensitizing the society to embrace depression in men and help them feel more comfortable coming out of

Depression, a mental illness, with symptoms dealing with mood and emotion affects Americans of all age, gender, and race. While depression affects all individuals it is concluded that African American and other minority races had a higher rate of depression than a white individual. While this conclusion exists depression did not differ among races due to socioeconomic status. “The symptoms of that depression were expressed took shape from those who stated they had trouble at work, home, or social events. Depression can take different forms dealing with mood which is sad or loss of interest in daily activities, Cognition symptoms are having trouble focusing on tasks, and the physical or lack of energy and feeling of restlessness.” “The severity of these depression symptoms among others vary depending on the individual which is measured by the PHQ-9 questionnaire.” (Pratt, 2014)

Certain characteristics seem to predispose women to depression, and they are classified into three categories. According to Neel Burton (Author of Growing from Depression), there are a biological, a psychological, and a socio-cultural explanations. From a biological point of view, women have a stronger genetic predisposition. They are subjected to fluctuating hormone levels especially around the time of childbirth, and menopause. From a psychological point, there is the ruminative aspect of women, they tend to overthink things. There is also the relationship aspect, which women are generally more invested into. Therefore they are affected by problems. On the socio-cultural aspect, women are more likely to suffer from stress, which is associated

The term depression is widely misused in today’s society. All human beings experience periods in life where they are sad for a relatively short period of time, which is considered normal. Those who experience sadness for extended periods may be suffering from depression. Two terms used to reference the classifications of depression, are Major Depressive Disorder, and Dysthymia. Individual diagnosis of these classifications is dependent on the length of time, and severity of symptoms experienced by the individual. The causes for these depressive states can be due to genetics or the insufficient production of neurotransmitters, which provide the brain with the data necessary to regulate one's psychological well being. Two examples