Depression is more than mere sadness. When an individual suffers from depression, the symptoms last for more than a few days, and, as a result, many depressed people are unable to cope with the activities of daily living.

Depression in women

Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men. While an exact reason for this is unknown, researchers believe a variety of factors contribute to depression in women.

Depression in men

Men are less likely than women to admit feelings of sadness and worthlessness and may take on additional work to avoid dealing with these feelings. Depressed men are more likely to seek solace in drugs and alcohol as a means of coping with their sadness.

Hormonal fluctuations

Women may become depressed during periods of hormonal fluctuations such as following child birth or before their menstrual cycle.

Stress

Depression may be more common in women than men because women often incur more stress than most men. Women are often more responsible for caring for the family and often face additional pressures at work. Women are also more likely to live in poverty, which causes additional stress.

Treatment

Individuals suffering from depression should visit their doctor to rule out other medical problems that may be causing their depression. After an evaluation, many individuals experiencing depression are treated with a combination of medication and therapy.

Source:

Family Doctor: Depression in Women

National Iinstitute of Mental Health: Depression