Depression & Women in Urban Development

In Africa,depression is the most prevalent mental illness of which women carry the burden of urban development.

WOMEN & DEPRESSION IN AFRICA

66 million women are affected by depression

25 million of those affected are in urban centers

9.5 million of those working in urban centers in formal employment, entrepreneurs in senior management are most at risk of depression.

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The Rise Of Depression in Women In Urban Development

“Women experience depression and anxiety at two to three times the rates reported in men. By 2020 depression and anxiety will be the largest cause of disability for women’.There is now a growing recognition and concern that the stresses imposed on women affects their physical, emotional and mental well-being” WHO/FE/MNH 93.1

Rapid urban development, even though it brings many opportunities for women, it has come with new challenges and stresses within the social, cultural, economical and family environment, that has exerted powerful pressures upon women. Research reflects the insurmountable and accumulated levels of chronic and trauma related stress, has affected the emotional and mental state of women, manifesting as depression, post traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) and burnout.

THE IMPACT OF URBAN STRESS ON WOMEN

The impact of women affected by the mental disorder of depression has such diverse effects not only on us women, but more so, on our children, the family unit, the community and on economic productivity – with women being a major part of the work force. A report by WHO (World Health Organization) summarizes “So far, the mental disorders brought about by women in urbanization, are of women in Africa at 22% whilst for men at 14%. (Orley J Liyy, B & Winh. K. Archs. 1979). This picture has however changed as seen in the report ‘Women and Mental Health Disorders in Urbanization. Akatsa S. 1998; 2014). African women in urban development are now suffering from non clinical depression are at 35% whilst men are at 22%.

WHO also states that “by the year 2020, women will experience depression and anxiety at two to three times the rates reported in men and by 2020 depression and anxiety will be the largest cause of disability for women. In our African situation, my report also highlights the most vulnerable group of women being those between the ages of 15-55 years, with a particular peek at 30 to 50 years.

The implications for this in the lives of women, our families, our communities is very frightening.

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THE MASKS WOMEN WEAR

It’s difficult to tell women affected by depression because of their need to remain ‘strong’ and for the fear of being stigmatized by society. Women have become experts in wearing masks that reflect all is well, yet inwardly, they are slipping away. More and more women are turning to alcohol, food, toxic relationships, material things and other addictions, as they struggle to chase away the gloom of the darkness, and afraid to get help, because of the need to be seen as being ‘strong’. And so women continue to wear the many masks, that hide the reality of the stressful personal situations.

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Are You At Risk of Being Affected By Depression?

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IGNORANCE CAN CAUSE YOU YOUR LIFE

The more you know, the more you can do to overcome depression.
Depressive illnesses take many forms, and their many symptoms combine differently in each woman. That’s why it’s important to become an expert on your mental wellness state and how it impacts your life.

Being diagnosed with a depression-related illness can be scary. But a diagnosis of depression can also open the door to opportunities to feel and function much better.

Rapid urban development, even though it has brought many opportunities for us as women, especially economic empowerment, it has also come with many challenges that we as women, MUST learn to manage and enjoy, in a healthy sustainable way, that promotes mental wellness within ourselves, in our families and communities.

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