Depression in Women

Depression in Women is a Greater Risk

Clinical depression (especially major depression and dysthymia) affect twice as many women as men. In fact, more than 6 million women experience depression each year in the USA.

This two-to-one ratio exists regardless of racial and ethnic background or economic status. The same ratio has been reported in other countries all over the world. Interestingly, men and women have about the same rate of bipolar disorder (manic depression), though its course in women typically has more depressive and fewer manic episodes. But depression in women seems to be more frequent (Read more about depression in men).

 

Why is a stronger connection between women and depression?

Many factors unique to women are suspected to play a role in developing depression in women. Research is focused on understanding these factors, including: reproductive, hormonal, genetic or other biological factors; abuse and oppression; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological and personality characteristics. But, the specific causes of depression in women remain unclear. What do you think women are more prone to depression?

im sorry to say this, but im so sick and tired of being with children all day. like its my whole world, within these walls, 6 days of a week, without havin any friends, or meeting adults... no company, only my boyfriend in the evenings, but even he seems to be so different now, since i moved here... im not special any more, im not beautiful, we dont have sex, only every second weekend... but to tell the truth i dont even feel like havin sex...Erika

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the symptoms?

If you're depressed, you may have some of these symptoms nearly every day, all day, for 2 weeks or longer:

• Feeling sad or crying a lot

• Losing interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoy (including sex)

• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

• Thinking about death or suicide

• Sleeping too much, or not being able to go to sleep or stay asleep

• Losing your appetite and losing weight (or eating too much and gaining weight)

• Feeling very tired or slowed down

• Having trouble paying attention and making decisions

• Having aches and pains that don't get better with treatment

If you are uncertain about your psychological state test yourself with our online depression test.

Share your experiences about depression in women

What might be the special causes in Woman Depression?

Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, a divorce or moving (such as leaving home to go to college), may lead to depression. Taking certain medicines, abusing drugs or alcohol, or having other illnesses can also cause depression. But these sources are common in women and man.

Woman’s life has special occasions witch may trigger depression as childbirth and menopause.

 

Depression and Menstruation (Menses)

Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are more likely to become depressed. Depression is more common a week before a woman's period. In some women, taking birth control pills may cause symptoms of depression.

 

Depression in Pregnancy

Real depression during pregnancy is quite rare, emotional mood swings are more common. Most of pregnant women feel high up emotionally and say, that pregnancy was the best time in their life ever. However, some women may also be affected by depression in pregnancy - roughly 1 in 10 women are reported to suffer from symptoms of depression half way through their pregnancy. Hormonal changes, as well as the stress of an imminent major life change, are probably factors involved in "antenatal" depression. Read more about depression and pregnancy…

 

Baby blues and postpartum depression

Baby blues and postpartum depression are much more common features and most of the new moms experience a kind of feeling down after delivery. Changes in hormone levels after childbirth can profoundly affect the emotions. In most women, emotional swings - the "baby blues" - last only a few days, but in others they lead to more prolonged, serious condition called postnatal depression. Read about postpartum depression…

 

Menopause and Depression

The great passage of a woman’s life is the menopause, which might be accompanied with depressive episodes. For many women the menopause can be a psychological, emotional an intellectual turning point as well as a physical one, but it does not have to mean a decline. However, many of the bodily functions go through a definite change and the experience of getting older and youth fade away might cause depressive periods. But, the menopause is closely involved with gaining new insights, maturing, changing standards, choosing new lifestyles and developing new opinions and priorities. As you can see depression and menopause are not strongly linked together, it is more a time of crisis. If, gone through this menopause crisis properly there is no worry about menopause depression. Moreover, it is a well-documented fact that women are more prone to depressive disorders than men, but a latest study shows that, as a group, a large random sample of women over the age of 55 actually displayed lower levels of depression than men. Read more about menopause and depression…

 

 

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