Statistics show that women suffer from depression twice as often as men. This is due to both physiological factors and the nature of modern society. At the same time, women often experience positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and genuine delight more frequently than men.
Some believe this somewhat offsets their greater susceptibility to depression. Moreover, women are more likely to seek help from psychologists and are not afraid to discuss their feelings. However, debating who is happier, men or women, is futile since they experience happiness in completely different ways.
Happiness and Gender Stereotypes
Studies examining the relationship between emotion and gender have shown that men’s and women’s feelings are influenced by their socialization. For example, women are more likely to experience emotions such as care, anxiety, and joy.
These feelings help them build connections with others and fulfill the role of the “caretaker.” Men, on the other hand, more often experience anger and display aggression, possibly due to their roles as protectors and their tendency towards competition.
Neuropsychological Differences
Differences in emotional experiences are not solely due to gender socialization but also to the structure and functioning of the brain. Research has shown that women have a better-developed capacity for empathy; they can recognize people’s emotions through non-verbal cues, a skill that is much rarer among men.
Studies using CT and MRI scans have demonstrated that women activate more neurons, particularly mirror neurons, when processing emotional information. Mirror neurons are responsible for understanding others and recognizing their feelings. This is why women are not only more prone to empathy but also better at understanding others’ motives.
Men Find It Easier to Express Negative Emotions
There are differences not only in the processing of emotions but also in their expression. Women tend to feel emotions more intensely and are more open about their feelings than men. The exception is anger, which women often prefer to hide from others. Women more frequently experience what are termed prosocial emotions, such as gratitude, care, tenderness, and other feelings directed towards others. Expressing these emotions brings women happiness. Thus, women’s happiness is more dependent on their relationships with others compared to men.
On the other hand, women tend to suppress and mask their anger with other feelings. Despite this, women experience anger with the same intensity as men, and sometimes even more. While men may openly display their anger and aggression, women often direct these feelings inward and try to “suppress” them to avoid upsetting loved ones. This may explain why women suffer more from depression and chronic stress compared to men, as destructive emotions have no outlet.
Another Interesting Difference
Men tend to resolve conflicts and change situations to achieve emotional stability. Women, however, are more likely to retreat into their feelings, which can worsen their negative state and increase the risk of depression.
Women Are More Likely to Sacrifice Their Own Needs
Women are socialized to prioritize others’ needs over their own. This leads to chronic dissatisfaction and deep frustration. Women strive to be right and good for everyone, while men generally focus on their own interests. This tendency is evident in job searches as well; men will look for work that is fulfilling and financially rewarding, while women might choose a job that allows more time with family, even if it is less satisfying. This stress accumulation can eventually lead to depression and psychosomatic disorders.
Women are also more prone to experiencing feelings of shame compared to men. They may forgo actions they perceive as unethical, even if it means giving up something valuable. Men are less guided by shame, believing that the end justifies the means.
How to Reduce the Likelihood of Depression in Women
To achieve balance, both genders can learn from each other. For instance, women should periodically reflect on whether they are sacrificing themselves too much for others. Although gender socialization influences behavior, it is essential to consider who benefits from one’s sacrifices and who loses out.
Learning to express anger is crucial. If it is not expressed, it turns inward, increasing the risk of psychosomatic disorders, neuroses, and depression. Safe ways to express negativity include engaging in sports. If possible, women should openly discuss their dissatisfaction with loved ones. Suppressing anger and aggression can lead to chronic dissatisfaction with oneself and others, with those around them remaining unaware.
Men and women experience emotions differently due to both brain function and socialization. Learning to recognize and express emotions is important to seek help in time and prevent the development of depression and neurotic disorders.