Depression in Women

Although depression is similar in many ways among men and women, it also has some noticeable differences among women. Contrary to popular belief, depression is not only rampant among women, but statistics do show that depression in women is slightly more common. With this mind, statistics to show that depression in women is about twice as likely to occur among women, than in men.

Depression in Women

Depression can be devastating. It can destroy your social life, lower your performance at workplace, and simply leave you feeling like you have nothing to live for. Statistics by the NMHA show that about 13% of all women will at one point in their lives suffer from depression. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between having a bad week, or simply being downright depressed. If you feel down for more than a couple of weeks, it is likely you are suffering from more than just a bad week or two; you may in fact be suffering from depression.

Signs of Depression in Women

Depression symptoms in females are generally very similar to the common symptoms experienced by anyone suffering from depression:

  • Change in sleeping patterns
  • Gloomy mood
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Emotional state of culpability, uselessness and unimportance
  • Visions of suicide and death
  • Fluctuations in eating patterns
  • Fatigue

So What’s the Difference?

Well, despite similar depression symptoms among men  and women, there are actually a number ofdepression in women differences. Many symptoms are more common in men than they are in men, such as depression hitting during the winter season. Many of their symptoms will also be similar to those experienced  by people suffering from a certain type of depression; Atypical depression. Those suffering from Atypical depression will find themselves with an extreme upward trend in their eating patterns, a sudden increase in their weight, and an increased amount of time spent sleeping. Women also tend to put the blame on themselves, as to why they are suffering from depression.

There are quite a few other common differences when looking at depression in men versus depression in women. When looking at depression in women, they generally feel upset, whereas men are generally mad and “ticked off” easily. Women who are suffering from depression also try to pull themselves out of any potential clashes, whereas men start these sort of clashes to try to release their anger. Women are also far less common to use drugs and alcohol to deal with their depression, whereas in men, it is common to resort to those types of activities when suffering from depression. Lastly, a high number of women than men attempt suicide every year, but more men successfully commit suicide.

Causes of Depression in Women

Studies show that it is far more likely for women to suffer from depression, as oppose to men. Some studies even show that men are half as likely to suffer from depression in comparison to women. This increased chance is a result of biological factors and mental factors.

Biological Factors

  • Women who are pregnant have an increased chance of suffering from depression. This is due to the changes in their hormones.
  • Women may also suffer from depression after giving birth, which is referred to as Postpartum depression. In many cases, this is simply a form of temporary depression, but in other cases, it can be long lasting and require the help of a mental health professional.
  • The menstrual cycle, in most women, causes some sorts of changes in their day to day mood. Generally speaking though, these changes are not severe, and subside within a few days. In other women, these changes can be extremely drastic, which can put them through short periods of depression.

Mental Factors

  • Women tend to ponder over their emotions and feelings, attempting to uncover why they may be depressed. Studies have shown that pondering over these emotions actually worsens the depression. In comparison, men avoid any thoughts of their depression, by keeping themselves busy, which has been shown to actually make the depression less severe.
  • Women are generally far more self conscious about their figure, and this can lead to severe depression.

The following can also increase the risk of depression among women:

  • Problems within social life
  • Genetic factors (predisposition to depression)
  • Death of a loved one as a child
  • Stress resulting from ones career, relationships, and so forth
  • Victim of sexual and/or physical abuse

Treating Depression in Women

Treating depression in women generally involves either psychotherapy and/or antidepressants. It is important to keep in mind that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, making it important for those taking these medications to be observed. If your symptoms grow worse while on antidepressants, it is important you see your health care provider immediately. In other cases of less severe depression, counseling has proven to be effective.

Dealing with depression can be extremely difficult, and sometimes it can help greatly to confide in someone you trust greatly. Depression in women is different than depression in men in the sense that women tend to open up and pour out their emotions. Men, on the other hand, tend to keep their emotions bottled in. Many claim that confiding in someone you trust, and talking about how you feel can actually help lift your spirits, and deal with depression more effectively.