Twice as many women as men are affected by depression. Each case is expressed differently and has its own reasons. Nevertheless, scientists have found that depression in women is often caused by similar circumstances.
The researchers explain that this is all due to the female mind and behavior. Of course, every woman has a unique personality that makes her react differently to certain situations. Nevertheless, scientists at the University of Padua have found that depression can often be attributed to the same behaviors.
Thoughts and warnings
Many women dwell longer than men on conversations and events in their lives. They take great pains to make life easier for others or to avoid conflict. In addition to the difficulty of saying “no”, many women also believe that they can master countless tasks without being stressed. They often want to be perfect and loved by everyone, and in the process, neglect themselves.
Even if they notice that the tasks they perform on a daily basis and the feelings they experience are “out of their control”, they tend to ignore this and continue to try to manage everything. After all, somehow it will (must) work out. They ignore the warnings and signals sent by their body, such as migraines, insomnia or back pain.
Single women are happier
Ultimately, some might say that women are overly sensitive beings. However, researchers at the University of Padua vehemently disagree with this claim and link relationship status to mental disorder. Single women are not only happier, but they also lead healthier lives. Once they are in a relationship, they are more likely to fall into depression, mainly because of an excessive mental load.
According to scientists, the reason for this lies in the behavior of the men in the women’s environment. Since childhood, women are taught that they must sacrifice themselves to let the man express himself or live as he wishes. In fact, they accept this almost unconsciously. This thesis was confirmed by a social experiment in which women were asked to take care of themselves and think only of themselves. Their male partners then felt helpless, as they had to take full responsibility for their lives and their organization. The women, on the other hand, felt liberated because they did not have to take care of another person.
The reason for the breakup?
Now, the logical consequence of the Italian study would be that many women would have to separate from their partners to be happy again. But it’s not that simple: depression is too complex to be treated in this way. Moreover, men can often be the trigger, but not the actual cause, of their partner’s psychological problems. Psychologists at the University of Padua advise women to be assertive in their relationships and to divide the tasks or hand them over to their partner.
It seems that some men have not yet fully integrated the fact that they have to help their partner, even without being asked. In return, however, women must also put aside certain tasks if they become too much for her. It is not a shame or a sign of weakness to ask for help with tasks.
