Depression Among Housewives

The reasons for depression among housewives could be varied; for example, lack of confidence in their role as a wife, lack of self esteem, feeling undervalued or neglected in the role of wife, feeling unproductive, worthless, trapped, guilty, over burdened, lack of love and respect from family members, family conflicts and so on.

They can go into depression at the time when they move into the husband’s home, due to change of living conditions, lack of co-operation by in laws, feeling misunderstood and neglected by the husband, lack of privacy, no space for expressing feelings and desires etc.

She can also get depressed later on in life as she may feel stuck in her role as a wife and does not feel valued for the kind of person she is.  Her sense of self and her individuality may be lost in this process and this may cause confusion, dissatisfaction, worthlessness, hopelessness, pessimism, lack of self-esteem and worth.

The problem can be compounded if she does not receive the love, time and support of her husband.  Lack of understanding, maturity, empathy and sensibility of the husband may make the women feel lost, not loved or cared for, and this may lead to depressive feelings.

Troubling in laws, excessive interference of in laws in married life, strict norms in the family, pressure to bear a child, demands on the physical and mental resources of the wife could also cause frustration, anger, irritation, restlessness, feeling of being trapped and could lead to depression.

The problem could also arise if the wife does not have the freedom to vent her desires and take control of her life.  Hindering the wife from fulfilling her ambitions, aspirations, wishes, or not allowing her to make choices can have a negative impact on her mental well being.

Lack of appreciation for the wife, taking her for granted, not spending enough time with her, neglecting her feelings, tightly controlling her life and her money can also push her into depression.