WHO IS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING DEPRESSION?
Almost anyone can develop depression at any time. Because the causes of depression are so varied it’s possible for people to become depressed for hundreds of reasons. But some groups of people do have a higher risk of becoming depressed.
If you fall into one of these categories then you might have an increased risk of depression without even knowing it:
Women
Studies show that women as a group are more likely to develop depression than men. Research indicates that at least a quarter of all women will suffer from depression at some point in their lives but only about 12% of men will struggle with depression. That’s one out of every four women.
Some experts think that more men do suffer from depression but since men are less likely than women to admit their feelings or seek professional help for depression the number of men with depression seems low. Even if this is so, women are more prone to need help for depression. Since so many women also have to face additional stresses and pressures in life, depression in women is more common than in men.
Childbirth is one of the causes of depression in women. It is known as postpartum depression. Long scoffed at by doctors, who were mostly men, postpartum depression is now recognized as a real issue that occurs in some women who have given birth. The hormonal changes of pregnancy and birth set off physical and emotional changes that trigger depression in some women.
Some women also have short or long-term depression caused by hormonal issues. These issues can include the normal menstrual cycle and also menopause. Because depression can be triggered by changes in the body’s chemistry, even the regular and very normal hormonal changes of the menstrual period can trigger depression.
Married Men and Women
Not all in marriage is wedded bliss. Research shows that men and women who are married are more likely to become depressed than single men and women. This is mostly because of the stresses and problems that occur within relationships. This is not to say that marriage is bad or that even most marriages are causing depression. However, if people are not able to deal with the pressures and conflicts of marriage, or lack the help they need to deal with them, then depression can be a result.
This is not to say that being single is not a cause for depression. Loneliness can very definitely be a cause for depression in some people distressed by that situation. However, single people have less interpersonal conflict because they do not have a spouse.
The Elderly
Men and women who are over the age of 65 are especially vulnerable to depression. Many aging experts believe that depression occurs among older men and women because of the life changes that come with old age such as retirement. For women, menopause can ignite depression. Other hormonal changes may also be occurring in old age. Medical science is only just beginning to study and understand the effects of aging.
Also, the elderly have significant life issues to deal with that could cause depression. Loneliness is common among the elderly. Loss of friends and family can be a cause for depression. Plus, loss of capacity, physical and mental, can throw some people into depression.
People with a Family History of Depression
While the medical jury is still out on whether or not depression is hereditary, it has been proven that people who have family members that suffer from depression are more likely to become depressed themselves. This is especially true if the family member is a parent or guardian. Having a close family member that suffers from an illness related to depression like bipolar disorder can also influence whether or not someone develops depression during their lifetime. It remains unknown if this influence is psychological, environmental, or physical, but it is certainly real. People who do have a family history of depression need to be extra aware of their own symptoms. They are not sentenced to depression if it runs in the family, but they do need to realize they are more prone to it.
People who Work in Medical or Emergency Fields
Scientists have found that people like doctors, nurses, and other health care and emergency services workers who work in careers where they are routinely exposed to tragic circumstances are more likely than other groups to develop depression.
No doubt much of this is due to the nature of their work. Medical and emergency people are dealing with trauma every day. The fact that the trauma is happening to others does not mean it does not affect them. Also, the stresses of working in those fields are huge.
Smokers
New research has shown a link between smoking and depression. If you are a smoker you could face an increased risk of depression. Smoking screws up your body chemistry, especially in your brain.
In case you needed another reason to quit smoking there it is – you can lower your risk of becoming depressed if you quit smoking.
Studies show that women as a group are more likely to develop depression than men.
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