Depression in Women:
What You Need to Know

Depression can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Statistics do show that depression is reported more often by women than men, though there are a variety of factors that can impact this. The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). found that between 2013 to 2016 “Women (10.4%) were almost twice as likely as were men (5.5%) to have depression.” Statistics like these can leave you wondering what leads to a higher prevalence in women.

Depression can look different for women. Moreover, it can also be experienced differently. It is interesting to note that depressive symptoms are often linked to certain reproductive stages. There is postpartum depression that happens after childbirth, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and depressive symptoms that can accompany menopause.

It Is Unique

Depression can be experienced in a variety of ways. Though there are specific symptoms required to make a diagnosis, these symptoms can look and feel different for everyone. Some commonly reported differences for women can include:

• Some women report that symptoms are more frequent and intense.
• Women are more likely to connect symptoms to negative body images and stress.
• Pregnancy and motherhood can be extremely stressful. The added expectations that come along with motherhood can easily add to symptoms of depression. Women are often expected to do more and this can lead to a great deal of distress.
• Women experience more hormonal shifts that will of course impact mood and functioning.
• Women are also more likely to seek medical treatment when things aren’t feeling “right”. This can also skew statistics.

Depression and Gender

There is no clear explanation why women are more prone to developing depression. Experts surmise that the reproductive difference has a role to play in the disparity. Hormonal changes and shifts can greatly contribute to symptoms.

Reproductive hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone, are thought to play the biggest role. Specifically, dramatic mood shifts can be observed during life phases when hormonal levels are fluctuating. This can occur during puberty, during pregnancy and after childbirth, before menstruation, and before menopause. Certain types of depression coincide with these phases. Unique to women are the following types – premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal and postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression.

Social factors may also contribute to the high rates of depression in women, “including stress from work, family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women and increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty.” Expected to take care of others and maintain a career, most women have a full plate. No one is superhuman, though many women are expected to be.

Symptoms of Depression

Web MD shares these signs of depression:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including intimacy
• Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
• Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
• Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
• Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling “slowed down”
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
• Panic attacks
• Feelings of tension
• Disinterest in daily activities and relationships

You may not experience every symptom on the list. Everyone is unique. Though sadness is a classic symptom, you may not experience profound despair, yet you can still be depressed. The best way to find out is to have your symptoms assessed by a qualified professional.

Can Depression be Treated?

It is important to know that depression is treatable. Though your symptoms may be intense and overwhelming, recovery is possible. You deserve to feel better. You have to take care of yourself first, before you can be there for anyone else. Carolina Counseling Services – Fayetteville, NC contracts with therapists who know how to treat depression.

Depression can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Though you may feel this way, there are trained counselors who care and can help. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment.