Housewives & Depression

Although many see it as a myth, more and more housewives are diagnosed with some form of depression. There are both social and biological factors that cause depression in housewives.

Confusion

• Over the past decades, the role of the woman in the home has changed. Many housewives become depressed because they are confused just what role they play in the home.

Role

• Today it is not uncommon for mothers to work, but housewives can struggle with their role as a housewife. Some wives feel staying at home takes away from their opportunity to hold a career or "do something" with their lives.

Pregnancy

• Twenty percent of women experience depression during pregnancy. This means women feel sad and helpless for more than a two-week period. Many experience postpartum depression as well.

Gender

• Women are two times as likely to develop depression over their lifetime than men. It is most common in women between the ages 25 and 44, which is the time when women are getting married and raising children.

Children

• The more children a woman has, the more likely she is to become depressed. This is linked to stress, biology and the female role in life.

Treatment

• Studies suggest that acupuncture helps relieve depression in pregnant women--both during pregnancy and after. Other treatments for housewives' depression include therapy, anti-depressants and taking up a hobby. Lack of social interaction is a big cause of depression, so joining a yoga or pottery class may also help with depression.