Symptoms of Depression in Women
 As with most anxiety-related conditions, women are twice as likely as men to develop depression. Another shocking statistic is that almost 2/3 of women suffering from depression will not seek any form of treatment for their condition, leading to poor quality of life for not only the person suffering from this debilitating condition, but for those who care about them as well.
Women with depression will often write off their feelings as "the blues" since hormones are often blamed for any kind of mood change in women. While hormones may play a part in the prevalence of depression in women, there are a variety of other factors and causes that can lead to the illness. But, how can you tell if you or someone you care about is suffering from depression?
Common symptoms of depression in women include:
- Anxiety
- Empty or persistently sad mood
- Loss of interest or enjoyment of activities
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, pessimism, hopelessness, or helplessness
- Too much or too little sleep
- Loss of sex drive
- Fatigue
- Overeating/weight gain or loss of appetite/weight loss
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts. Women are more likely than men to attempt suicide, though men are often more likely to actually succeed.
It's true that some of these symptoms can be experienced during normal hormone fluctuations, such as those experienced during menstruation, during and after pregnancy, or menopause. However, if these symptoms last for more than six months, it is important to try to find a treatment option that works for you. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression in women, seeking help from your physician or other healthcare provider may be able to help relieve these symptoms and lead to a happier, more fulfilling life. |
