Causes of Depression Among Women in Nigeria
Women are twice as likely as men to have major depression based on Harvard Medical research.
In Nigeria like in most developing countries, women are socially disadvantaged because of their gender. Women go through a lot of physical or emotional abuse and face a higher chance of having depression due to changes in the hormone level of their body.
Risks of Depression Among Women in Nigeria
Depression among women in Nigeria has many causes. However, it is worthy of observation that women have a higher risk of depression than men. That is not to say that a high number of men do not have depression.
A good understanding of the changes that take place in the female body from adolescence to adulthood may explain why they face a higher risk of depression.
Interestingly, depression is barely pronounced in girls before they reach puberty. At puberty, the female body changes and the body hormones responsible for these changes affect them.
This is part of the reasons why women face a higher risk because right from puberty the risk of depression surrounds them. Research shows that at puberty, The risk is double that of the boys at the same age range.
The changes in the level of the hormones in the female body have been tipped as what increases the risk of depression. The following periods in the life of women bring about hormonal fluctuations and a higher risk of depression.
How Hormonal changes increase the risk of depression for women in Nigeria
1. Puberty
At the state when sexual maturity is reached, girls experience changes in their body hormone levels. Their ability to cope with these changes varies and many of them are exposed to depression. Depression that begins at this stage can be prolonged and last even a lifetime if medical help is not sought.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy is also a unique period for women. It changes the level of their body hormones and also exposes them to depression. Although pregnancy lasts for a certain period, the effects of pregnancy-induced depression can be lasting. Seeking help on time will help women fight depression during pregnancy.
3. Menopause
Menopause also comes with some changes in the hormone levels of women. Notably, it can be characterized by a decrease in sex hormones and other changes that can increase the risk of depression among women.
4. Post-natal
After giving birth, women still have a high risk of depression. Because the birth of their child changes a lot about different aspects of their lives including the level of hormones in their bodies. Other factors such as work, maternity period, anxiety, and financial concerns may also trigger depression in women after they give birth.
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