The Ministry of Health and Child Care describes depression as ”a common disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and poor concentration.” At its worst, depression can lead to suicide.
Based on detailed interviews with many people, study results show that women are twice as likely to suffer depression as men, and the loss of a partner from death or separation and Gender Based Violence are the main contributing factors.
Young women have HIV/AIDS unexpectedly because of their unfaithful partners, which stresses them a lot and is uncontrollable, leading to depression. Most of them fail to share their problems with people who may be better help to them by providing counselling to help them accept what they cannot change. Abuse and stress weaken their immune system, and unhealthy relationships at home cause brain changes. Women in many cultures do not enjoy equal status with men, which could play a role in depression. The demands placed upon women to produce children or regulate family-size mean they often carry disproportionate responsibilities and accountability for reproductive function. Infertility or miscarriage may be viewed as a failure to fulfill their role.
Whatever the causes, women with depression deserve compassionate, severe care.