In an interesting tweak to men versus women gender-based studies, it has been found that women usually undergo extremely miserable plight compared to men throughout their lives until they reach their mid-80s, but tend to lead happier lives thereafter than men who plunge into depression and misery after this age, claimed a study by NHS in Britain.
A survey of 8,000 participants by NHS tried to capture the essence of happiness among different age groups of men and women and an analysis showed that Britons are reporting consistent unhappiness at every age, with women more likely to suffer from several issues.
To begin with, around 28% of women aged between 16 and 24 suffer mental health problems, which is almost double that reported by men of the same age. It means, the adolescence for women begins with misery and unhappiness compared to boys.
Kate Lovett, Dean of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: "Women under 65 are traditionally still more likely to bear the brunt of domestic and caring responsibilities, while a decade or so on responsibilities such as caring for children, partners, or elderly relatives tend to be removed."
But men in this age group are different. "Men who are single, widowed or divorced are more vulnerable to developing depression and men who are in this age bracket may be more likely to be on their own," she said.
Even in their middle-age, women tend to suffer from mental health issues, said the study. Paradoxically married women are often more likely to develop depression, noted the study. In fact, 24% of women aged 45 to 54 have reported mental ill-health, which calls for a greater focus on addressing women's psychological strengths and weaknesses, it said.
The percentage of women with mental health problems tend to continue until they reach 65, noted the study tracking their levels of happiness and health. Interestingly, after 65, it dropped to 16 percent and then it further dropped to 14 percent in women who had reached above 85.
While stunned psychologists tried to reason it out, the other finding is turned equally annoying for them. Men, meanwhile, suffered a drastic dip in their levels of unhappiness after crossing the age of 85, and 19 percent of them reported serious mental health issues.
The NHS survey tried to compile a happiness note ahead of the Christmas surveying 8,000 residents on their level of anxiety, confidence, depression, happiness and sleeping patterns. The results baffled them for now.
