Depression is now a widespread, widely feared, exceedingly terrible mental health problem. Everyone can struggle with them, and girls face different problems that increase the weight of this problem for girls. You’d see smiling faces but it would be further behind the untold stories and silent struggles that are often overlooked. Read on to discover why girls suffer depression, their scientific reasons, and ways out of the struggles.
Hormonal Changes and Their Link to Depression
A hormonal imbalance is one of the main reasons girls become depressed. Which affects their mood, their emotions, and their Mental health.
- Premenstrual Syndrome
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression
Social Pressures and Expectations
The expectations placed on girls by society often undermine their mental health. Depression is often attributed to the pressure that we put on ourselves to be “perfect”.
- Beauty Standards: Social media and social norms distort unrealistic beauty standards which damage girls’ self-esteem. Anxiety and depression can occur when you are constantly under pressure to appear ‘perfect’.
- Role Expectations: Balancing roles as a good student, professional, partner, and mother often leads to burnout.
- Gender Inequality: Facing gender bias at work and home adds to their struggles, further increasing their risk of depression.
Emotional Sensitivity and Scientific Research
Scientific studies reveal that girls have a more active limbic system (the part of the brain that processes emotions and memories) than boys. While this emotional sensitivity can be a strength, excessive stress, and traumatic events can heighten the risk of depression.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Fluctuations in serotonin levels—a hormone associated with happiness—are more pronounced in girls, contributing to chronic stress and sadness.
- Trauma and Abuse: According to UNICEF, one in three girls experiences some form of abuse in their lifetime. Such trauma has a profound impact on mental health and can lead to PTSD.
Real-Life Examples
Girls often face silent struggles that significantly impact various aspects of their lives. Suppose a university student is trying to balance her family’s expectations and academic pressure. Social media was filled with constant comparisons that were not her peers and standards which were not realistic and all lowered her self-esteem. They’d tried to brush the subject off when she’d attempted to talk to them about what was wrong, telling her that “your life is perfect, what could be wrong?” This common response often leaves girls battling depression in silence.
Effects of Depression: Mental and Physical Health
The impact of depression extends beyond the mind, often leading to physical health issues as well:
Heart Disease: There’s a link between chronic stress and depression and an increased risk of heart disease.
Weakened Immune System: Stress and sadness cause an immune system to weaken, making the individual more susceptible to getting sick.
Fatigue and Body Pain: Depression has repeated on energy levels and can also bring chronic pain and exhaustion.
Girls’ depression is a silent battle. Girls must have a safe and supportive environment and society must acknowledge that. It helps to know what they are going through and what they feel so they have a happier and healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, join with them. But we can treat it and the first step is changing our perspective and providing them with the understanding needed. Here are some solutions to prevent from depression.
Solutions: How to Prevent Depression
1. Emotional Awareness:
Girls need to understand that acknowledging and expressing their emotions is their right. Sharing their feelings can alleviate their pain.
2. Professional Help:
Therapy is not a sign you are weak. It seriously helps in mental health to consult a trained psychologist or counselor.
3. Support System:
Family and friends’ support is crucial for girls. Providing them with an emotionally safe environment can help them express their feelings better.
4. Healthy Lifestyle:
Exercise and a balanced diet have a positive impact on depression. Mindfulness techniques like meditation can also reduce stress and anxiety.
Final Words
Depression in girls is often a silent battle. Girls deserve to be safe and supported by society. The things they go through and their emotions can make you happy and have a healthier life. Now if you (or someone you know) is struggling with depression, lend your support. First, we have to change our perspective and give them the understanding they need so that we can treat it.
