4 Unique Signs of Depression in Women
Depression does not discriminate. It can affect someone of any age, race, gender identity, or ethnicity. However, depression doesn’t look the same for everyone. It’s a complex condition that can manifest in many different ways, making it difficult to diagnose. However, there are some unique traits of depression in women that are worth paying attention to.
1. Women Tend to Turn Their Feelings Inward
In contrast to men, who are more likely to struggle with anger and substance abuse as symptoms of depression, women often withdraw. They may feel extreme guilt or worthlessness, especially if they’re highly critical of themselves and their performance in the role of a caregiver. Women are more likely to experience appetite changes and particularly weight gain. In fact, those living with eating disorders are more likely to suffer from depression and vice versa. Because they tend to be in tune with their bodies, women with depression will also notice unexplained aches and pains, such as breast tenderness or frequent headaches.
2. Depression in Women is Heavily Linked with Anxiety
Anxiety is a common symptom of depression and is especially present in women suffering from depression. It can manifest in a variety of ways. Women who are depressed may experience feelings of worry, fear, and apprehension, and they may be more likely to experience panic attacks. Anxiety can be particularly challenging for women, as it can interfere with their ability to carry out daily tasks and attend to their responsibilities. Many women who suffer from depression also have a diagnosed anxiety disorder, such as social anxiety disorder or panic disorder.
3. Women are More Likely to Have Seasonal Depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that people get during winter months due to the lack of sunlight. Typically those with SAD feel extremely fatigued, have low energy, struggle to find enjoyment in daily activities, and have a low mood. Women are more sensitive to these yearly changes and are, therefore, more likely to become depressed during the winter. However, researchers aren’t sure why; they suspect the biological mechanism behind this has to do with both sunlight and estrogen affecting levels of serotonin.
4. Depression Can Be Tied to Hormonal Cycles
Hormonal changes are powerful influencers of mood. Many women suffer from depression linked to menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to increased moodiness and irritability before menstruation. But a more serious form of PMS is premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). A woman with PMDD will feel extreme irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, sleep disturbances, bloating, breast tenderness, and other bodily pain.
There are two types of depression associated with pregnancy: peripartum (during pregnancy) and postpartum (after pregnancy) depression. PPD can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Their symptoms are typically exhaustion, extreme sadness, and loss of interest in activities. A woman with PPD may struggle to complete basic tasks, self-care, and childcare.
As a woman goes through menopause, the drop in estrogen levels can also trigger a depressive episode. This can be confounded by the fact that a woman goes through huge life changes—another triggering factor for depression.
Getting Help
If you or someone you know shows these signs of depression, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage the symptoms of depression and stop it from worsening. Talk to a therapist familiar with the unique issues women face when suffering from depression. They’ll help develop a treatment plan that could be a combination of medication and therapy.
To find out more about how depression therapy can help women who are suffering from depression, please reach out to us.
