January 28, 2024
Written/Edited by: Mana and Fidha
Depression in Girls
Various studies have shown that during adolescence, depression and its symptoms rise drastically and quickly, especially for girls. In fact, depressive disorders increase in prevalence from 2% to 3% for girls aged 6 to 11 years old and 3% to 8% from ages 11 to 15 (Chaplin et al, 2006). Additionally, 3 in 5 girls reported feeling sad or hopeless in 2021, which is the highest rate in the past decade, and is twice as much of the rate of boys the same age (Muller & Bloomberg, 2023). The CDC also reports that 1 in 3 girls in high school considered suicide in the same year, a 60% increase from the beginning of the decade (Twenge, 2023). Furthermore, this increase comes with an heightened tendency towards smoking, drug use, suicide, and academic pitfalls.
It has long been known that depression can lead to an increased risk of death, and recently has the third highest global burden of disease when suicide and strokes are considered (Albert, 2015). However, the rate of depression is more than twice as prevalent in young women than men, a shocking recent discovery (Albert, 2015). Let’s explore the reasons for such a great increase and what can be done to help alleviate this new, ever increasing mental health issue.
Analysis of the Rise in Prevalence of Depression in Girls
We have established that the prevalence of depression is more than twice as high amongst young women than men, however, starting at puberty, girls are at the greatest risk of major depressive disorder and other mental illnesses (Albert, 2015). This can be attributed to the fact that triggers for depression are different between that of girls and boys. This is because it has been found that women typically present internalizing symptoms while men present externalizing symptoms (Albert, 2015). This means that girls tend to be more overwhelmed by interpersonal relationships while boys of the same age are more affected by external career and goal factors. Furthermore, women experience highly specific forms of depression largely related to other bodily changes, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postmenopausal depression and anxiety, or postpartum depression. These changes in ovarian hormones may also contribute to the heightened prevalence amongst women, however, it is unclear how the underlying neuronal mechanisms function (Albert, 2015). As a result, there are no existing treatments that exist to help women alleviate these symptoms.
It is also important to consider the impact of social media on girls and teenagers as well. Since it has been found that women are more sensitive to interpersonal issues, social media itself can perpetuate heightened insecurity and creates a sense of superficial relationships between people. Furthermore, it has been found that sexual exploitation, body image issues, and cyberbullying are some of the greatest risks that one can face when on social media, and girls disproportionately face these issues more (Edwards, 2023).
“I don’t think that’s something that we’ve seen before,” Ethier said. “It’s just devastating to think about the young women in our lives that we know.” - Edwards, 2023.
Resources
If you’re struggling, there are always ways to get help, and you should take advantage of them immediately. If you’re in crisis and are unable to get in contact with a trusted adult, hotlines and helplines can be a huge help. You should dial 988 for assistance with your crisis, and if you’re deaf or hard of hearing, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Below is a list of more specific hotlines:
LGBT National Hotline: 888-843-4564
The Friendship Line: 800-971-0016
National Runaway Switchboard: (800)621-4000
Self-harm Hotline: 1-800-366-8288
UCLA School Mental Health Project: Hotlines for suicide prevention and other crisis resources
Visit https://iamteenstrong.com/national/hotlines-help-lines/ for more specific resources.
Always get therapy if you need it. School counselors can be a valuable resource. Never hold back from going to the hospital if you feel you would benefit, especially if you’re having thoughts of suicide. Your safety comes first before all and is of the utmost concern.
--
Sources:
Comments