Introduction
Depression and anxiety are two of the most disturbing issues in modern society that should be addressed. That is why this research aims to examine depression and anxiety issues, including cultural diversity and gender, to better understand the illness. As a result, valuable insights can be earned and ideas for future research can be developed, including the role of gender and social background in high depression rates. Depression is observed in all people with different backgrounds. Still, mostly pregnant women, poor people, and people with social issues are the most likely to face depression and anxiety because of their high vulnerability.
Literature Review: Depression and Anxiety Factors
Pregnancy
The literature review provided valuable insight into the topic. Firstly, it was found that pregnant women, due to their fears and perceptions, can face depression (Mao et al., 2019). In this case, women are becoming more vulnerable as they face social pressure and a lack of support from their partners.
Financial Constraints
Secondly, poverty is a significant factor that contributes to the development of depression (Tomfohr-Madsen et al., 2021). People who face financial issues and difficulties are more likely to feel depressed due to a lack of faith in their future and a lack of support.
Medical Profession
Thirdly, depression is widely observed during medical work. For instance, the depression rates among medical students in China were extremely high due to their workload and inability to cope with stress (Ridley et al., 2020). Lastly, it was stated that the pandemic increased the depression rates due to isolation and the inability to normally cooperate with friends (Chen et al., 2020). Therefore, depression and anxiety remain the most disturbing issues that require immediate intervention.
Gender and Social Expectations
The literature analysis shows that gender and social background play a crucial role in the development of depression. It was observed that social expectations from women significantly contribute to the development of depression (Liu et al., 2021). For example, women are expected to have various responsibilities during and after pregnancy. Still, mental health issues are not considered, which negatively contributes to overall health conditions. In addition, society and its rules and expectations also influence the level of anxiety and depression; the developed norms and social inequality can create conditions where people are unable to survive, which leads to poverty. As a result, financial issues increase depression and reduce the level of development.
The literature review and further research show that the gender and social aspects are crucial while examining depression and anxiety, so it is crucial to consider these aspects. Professionals should consider the impact of gender and social inequality when addressing depression and anxiety. This approach can include using patient-centered techniques, which examine each patient’s needs individually. As a result, each patient can be treated equally, and all issues can be addressed. In addition, the research shows the necessity for further research on the influence of external factors on depression and anxiety by professionals to better understand the leading causes and prevent depression and anxiety from spreading.
Conclusion
To conclude, depression and anxiety are the major issues in modern society that are shaped by gender and social parameters. Pregnancies and poverty especially influence the development of such issues. That is why, for healthcare professionals, it is essential to recognize the signs of depression and be aware of the role of society in shaping such views. Moreover, the patient-centered approach should address the issue and treat each patient equally. The research reveals the role of different assumptions and external factors that can influence the process.
References
Chen, F., Zheng, D., Liu, J., Gong, Y., Guan, Z., & Lou, D. (2020). Depression and anxiety among adolescents during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Brain, behavior, and immunity, 88, 36. Web.
Liu, C. H., Erdei, C., & Mittal, L. (2021). Risk factors for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms in perinatal women during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychiatry Research, 295, 113552. Web.
Mao, Y., Zhang, N., Liu, J., Zhu, B., He, R., & Wang, X. (2019). A systematic review of depression and anxiety in medical students in China. BMC Medical Education, 19(1), 1-13. Web.
Ridley, M., Rao, G., Schilbach, F., & Patel, V. (2020). Poverty, depression, and anxiety: Causal evidence and mechanisms. Science, 370(6522), eaay0214. Web.
Tomfohr-Madsen, L. M., Racine, N., Giesbrecht, G. F., Lebel, C., & Madigan, S. (2021). Depression and anxiety in pregnancy during COVID-19: A rapid review and meta-analysis. Psychiatry Research, 300, 113912. Web.