Depression: Do Men and Women Express it Differently?

Millions of people around the world battle with depression. They struggle with irritability, fatigue, insomnia, loss of interest, decreased sex drive, difficulties concentrating and making decisions, suicide ideation, and experiencing feelings of guilt, worthless and helplessness. There are more symptoms, but these are the most common. Depression affects women twice as much as men, but, did you know that it is expressed differently between both sexes? It is believed that these differences may be caused by biology and social norms. The following is a list of differences between women and men:

1. During depression, women describe their emotions a lot easier than men.

2. It is less difficult for women to admit having depression, while men tend to overlook it by believing they are unhappy.

3. Men have a higher probability to abuse alcohol and drugs.

4. Men tend to use illegal substances before severe depression takes over, while women abuse drugs and alcohol after.

5. Women are twice as likely to develop depression due to hormonal changes in adolescence and adulthood.

6. Men are three times more likely to commit suicide, while women have a lot more attempts.

7. Men can go undiagnosed because most of them don