Answering "what is depression" may depend on whether you are male or female. Studies indicate that men and women both experience and deal with depression differently. These differences depend both on biological factors and on cultural ones.
Depression is diagnosed more often for women than for men. Scientists point to a number of factors that may explain this differential. First, hormones can have a large effect on brain chemistry. Women may experience large hormonal fluctuations after giving birth and before their menstrual cycle. Many new mothers experience the "baby blues" or the more serious, postpartum depression.
In addition, some doctors argue that women face greater stress as they seek to combine work and household responsibilities. Aspects like caring for the elderly or the very young, domestic abuse, and relationship strains often fall on women, increasing their likelihood of depression. In addition, at least in the United States, it is often more acceptable for women to seek treatment for depression and their symptoms may be more clearly seen as depression.
The symptoms of depression are also likely to be different for men and women. Men tend to report fatigue, loss of interest in activities that they once found pleasurable, and irritability. Women, in contrast, are more likely to report feelings of sadness, excessive guilt, and worthlessness. Although each sex tends to experience different symptoms, any one individual could experience any of the depression symptoms regardless of their gender.
Men and women also tend to deal with their depression differently. Men are more likely to turn to alcohol and drugs when they experience depression symptoms. Some men may become irritable, frustrated, and even abusive. Men are also more likely than women to engage in risky behaviors to deal with their depression and to throw themselves into their work. Although women are more likely to attempt suicide, men tend to be more successful in their attempts.
Although you'll often find a standard answer to the question, "what is depression," research shows that you may need to factor in the sex of the individual to get a clearer picture on whether the problem is depression or not. Men and women tend to experience and deal with depression differently, making standard checklists incomplete in some cases. If you or someone you know may have depression, you should investigate the gender differences that can occur with depression for a better understanding of the disease.
