Why Women Are More Prone to Depression and Anxiety and What You Can Do About It

From the moment girls enter puberty, they’re more at risk than male peers for depression and anxiety. This continues into adulthood, exacerbated by premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, postpartum depression, eating disorders, and more. Despite this, women often downplay their struggles when they’re the ones who need support. 

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, LLC, in Lakewood, Colorado, Alison Burton, DNP, PMHNP, treats both men and women struggling with anxiety and depression. Here’s why more women than men struggle with these specific mental health issues.  

Anxiety and depression in women 

Women are nearly twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety in their lifetime, and it’s not uncommon to have both issues at once or at different times during your life. 

There are many reasons why women are more vulnerable to these mental health issues. In many parts of the world, women still struggle with unequal power and status. They’re more likely to be dependent on others for their happiness and well-being, which leads to feelings of insecurity and anxiety. 

Many women also bear a heavy workload at home and at work. It’s not uncommon for women to work during the day, only to come home and clean, cook, and care for children or family members. Even if they have a spouse, many feel that the household tasks are not split evenly.  

In addition, women are more likely to experience sexual and physical abuse, which can lead to further depression and anxiety, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. Events in a woman’s life, like pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, and menopause can also contribute to mental health decline. 

When it comes to anxiety, women are vulnerable to generalized anxiety, social anxiety, agoraphobia, and more. They tend to be more fearful of being judged, harassed, or assaulted, and high standards of beauty can lead to low self-esteem and even eating disorders. 

Managing your symptoms

You may not be able to completely avoid depression and anxiety, but there are ways to manage your symptoms. Many people struggle to identify negative thought patterns because they don’t have the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with them. Once you’ve learned to stay afloat, it becomes easier to manage your mental health and lead a happier, more balanced life.

For women, it’s especially important to track your menstrual cycle and discuss the effects of premenstrual disorder. PMS has been given a bad reputation, treated like a joke, and used to label women as hysterical, but it has a real impact on your mood and mental health.

The more extreme form of PMS, premenstrual dysphoria disorder (PMMD), can cause everything from irritability and fatigue to panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.

Depression and anxiety in women is treated much the same as in men, with an added emphasis on physical awareness. Keep a journal and note down eating and drinking habits, self-care routines, when you get time to yourself, and your menstrual cycle and ovulation dates if you’re aware of them.

If your period is drawing near, if you’re currently pregnant or undergoing menopause, or if you’ve recently given birth or miscarried, be sure to mention that during your sessions. Knowing where your moods are coming from makes it easier to manage them. 

At Brain Revive Psychiatry, Dr. Burton works with patients both in-person and virtually to diagnose depression and anxiety, manage medications, and provide therapy. 

To schedule a consultation, call 303-578-8949, or request an appointment online.