Silent Pain: Why Depression Remains Unspoken and Untreated Among Women in the United States

Abstract

In United States depression among women continues to dominant public health concern that is often unacknowledged and inadequately treated. In spite of increased awareness of mental health issues, countless women continue to suffer in silence due to cultural devaluation, cultural norms, fear of judgment, and stigma of seeking treatment. As a result, many women depression symptoms go undiagnosed and untreated, causing detrimental health outcome and reduction in quality of life. This article review examines current literature on depression among women in the United States, with a concentration on factors that influence the silence surrounding mental health. Key themes reviewed include the stigma of mental health, hindrance to treatment, social determinants of mental health on availability to mental health treatment. The essential role of nurses is also discussed in assessment and thorough screening, early identification, educating patients, advocacy and recommending appropriate resources and treatment. Reducing stigma, increasing access to culturally diverse individual centered treatment and improving nursing interventions are essential to elevating mental health outcomes for women. Developing tailored strategies and increasing awareness are key to encouraging women to seek treatments and support women experiencing symptoms of depression.