Running head: DOES GENDER AFFECT DEPRESSION IN INDIVIDUALS?

Does Gender Affect Depression in Individuals?

Troy LaRue Gonzalez

General Psychology 1

2-16-17

Eastern Florida State College

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Does Gender Affect Depression in Individuals?

Gender and Depression

Men and women experience depression in different ways. Men may tend to hold in their

true feelings while women may express their emotions more often. There have been several

studies on this matter to explain the different types of ways men and women go through

depression. First, I will describe the causes of depression in men and how they display it; then I

will talk about what causes depression in women and how they express it. Lastly, I will compare

depression in both men and women in the study.

Depression in Men

Today, it is looked down upon for men to express their emotions because it could

decrease their masculinity. However, it is not uncommon for men to suffer from depression. It

may be difficult to tell when men are going through depression because “men are less likely than

women to utilize mental health services for psychiatric disorders.” (Addis, 2008) There are many

different reasons why men go through depression as well as how they handle it and display it.

Often males are diagnosed with depression at a young age or they eventually grow older and go

through it because of a life experience. Any major or life changing event can trigger depression.

For instance, if someone very close to them passes away or even the loss of a job. When

depressed men expressed “a lack of satisfaction, suicidal ideation, work inhibition, somatic

problems, and indecisiveness.” (Addis, 2008) These are key symptoms to look for when trying to

identify a male that is suffering from depression.

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Depression in Women

Depression is most common in women, especially when they live with or experience a

higher number of stressors. Often when women get depressed they display symptoms such as

sadness, lack of interest in things, and a lack of interest in life. (Silva, Pizeta, Loureiro, 2016)

Depressed women are more likely to have fewer years of schooling, lack of partners, and come

from underprivileged social and economic classes with fewer resources. (Silva, Pizeta, Loureiro,

2016) Depression does not only affect the women/mother, but it can also affect children. When

kids see their mom experiencing depression, they generally find that they are three times more

likely to develop behavioral problems and equally as likely to have problems with academic

success. To help reduce depression, studies show that most women respond well to social

support; whether it is someone in their family, or a friend.

Comparing Male and Female Depression

Articles that have been published about men experiencing depression compared to

women are outnumbered by a ratio of over three to one. (Addis, 2008) Both genders experience

depression but display it in totally different ways. A study has shown that women are twice as

likely to attempt suicide, but men are four times more likely to die from suicide attempts. (Addis,

2008) Current research indicates that there has been a decrease in the gender gap involving how

women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with major depression. Gender does not determine the

likelihood that one will experience depression, however the way each gender copes with it

varies.
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References

Addis, M. E. (2008). Gender and depression in men. Clinical Psychology: Science & Practice,

15(3), 153-168. doi:10.1111/j.1468-2850.2008.00125.x

Casagrande Silva, A. P., Aguiar Pizeta, F., & Regina Loureiro, S. (2016). Stressors and

perceived social support in women/mothers with depression. Psico-USF, 21(3), 583-594.

doi:10.1590/1413-82712016210312