Why so many English ladies and teenagers are prone to depression ?

[patliputra]

This forum is a very lively forum and most of the post saying they are suffering from worst form of depression and that also mostly from ladies both married and single. Any explanation ?

[Mandy6513]

There are many men who use this site but women find it easier to talk 

[patliputra in reply to Mandy6513]

Very logical.

[Mandy6513]

Is depression a common thing in India ?

[patliputra in reply to Mandy6513]

Mood swing is common, but frank depression is not as common as in west. It is getting more common in teen aged girls and boys,  The dangerous and tragic aspect is that suicidal tendencies and many times suicide is the result of depression. Like in the west these teens don't talk and share their inner conflict with any one. Perhaps nuclear family has some thing to do with it. Perhaps there is lack of communication between family members. May be expectations are so high that it rebounds in form severe stress, which most find difficult to handle . Adolescent 's mental health is a big issue.

[Mandy6513 in reply to patliputra]

Its a big issue here to for our adolescents and very worrying 

[Hidden]

Generally  men have more problems when they talk and discus their depression and some associated health problems, they also look upon some mental health problems as a weakness

Women on the other hand are able to discuss their health problems. Also seek help more urgently 

Many  nationalities can have different attitudes towards mental health problems. Therefore I do not know what their base instincts are when discussing this problem

BOB

[patliputra in reply to Hidden]

I agree .

[Hidden]

Hi an interesting question.   I have my own theories (backed up by some facts) why women suffer more than men.   Ok it is true that men do as well but many will deny they have it and refuse to talk about it.  They are also less likely to visit their doctors.  It's no coincidence that the biggest killer of men between 25-40 is suicide apparently.

Men tend to externalise their depression more than women and are more likely to be heavy drinkers or fly into rages etc.  Women and girls are more likely to internalise their depression and turn it in upon themselves.   I think too even in this day and age women have less outlets in their lives than men so tend to be more isolated too. 

Women are more likely to build a life around the home and the family and if that breaks up,  or when the children grow up,   they don't have much else in their lives.   Females are normally expected to put everyone else first and ignore their own needs,  otherwise they are considered (and themselves consider it) to be 'selfish'.   No one can ignore their own needs without suffering some form of mental health problem. 

Youngesters are under so much pressure these days  what with school and social  media that no wonder some of them buckle under the pressure.   The number of exams they have to take is extreme and they are always being tested at school.   They are under a lot of pressure to succeed in life and I would hate to be young now.  x

[patliputra]

I tend to concur with your analysis

[Hidden]

I don't think this is an English problem , I think it;s world wide, and for many different reasons.Society has changed a great deal since WWII. Women work outside the home, children are being raised by  institutions . Here in the States it's not unusual for kids to go to day care from 6am to   6pm. ,home for dinner, homework, and bed. Not much parent time. It's the same for older kids too. I don't think children feel important anymore, they are looking for someone to care or notice and they will get good or bad attention. Parents are overwhelmed trying to maintain a higher standard level of living , they think they are doing it for their kids, but are they? Grandparents      also become the parents responsibility and generations don't live together as they used too. So older people get to go to these special facilities where they wait for death.Are you depressed yet? I haven't even gotten into the work place, the lack of the  spiritual,  commercialism , it's endless. Some of us are able to cope and others less so  . It takes courage and fortitude to survive these days, I think men and women are  equally affected. Men are more stoic and that takes a toll 

I don't want to leave you with a sadness in your heart. There are still many wonderful

things in this world. If you are depressed try to focus on the good, the ridiculous , the fun. These suggestions sound so simple but what do you have to lose? Buy some bubble solution use indoors or out. get gum and have a bubble blowing  contest. Go out for dinner and start with dessert , Buy a gift for someone and sign it from a secret admirer. Have people over for a Benny Hill movie night. Change what you do and you will change. Luv to all.VM

[patliputra in reply to Hidden]

A very perceptive assessment. And equally imaginative ideas for a change in the last para. Thanks for this fine blog.