Depression affects millions of people worldwide, however it is especially common in women. In fact, women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. Some universal signs of depression may look like feelings of intense sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness, and can range from mild to severe symptoms. Depression can manifest uniquely in women due to biological, hormonal, and sociocultural factors. What are these symptoms?
1. Increased Anxiety and Worry
Anxiety and depression often coexist, but anxiety is more frequently observed in women with depression. This worry can feel overwhelming, making even the simplest tasks feel impossible.
- Racing thoughts and intense worry can distract from daily activities.
- Self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy may become persistent.
- Tendency to dwell on negative thoughts becomes more common.
- Hormonal fluctuations can impact mood, especially during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.
2. Fatigue and Physical Pain
Though fatigue is a common symptom of depression for everyone, women may experience it more intensely.
- Persistent fatigue doesn’t improve with rest, making the days feel longer and more challenging.
- Physical symptoms like headaches, muscle pain, or digestive issues often accompany depressive episodes.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions can be worsened by exhaustion.
- These symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues, so there is a higher risk of misdiagnosis.
3. Changes in Appetite and Weight
In women, depression may lead to significant changes in appetite. Some may lose their appetite, while others seek comfort in food.
- Emotional eating tendencies can make some gravitate towards sugary or high-carb foods as comfort.
- Appetite or weight loss for some women can happen due to the suppression of their hunger cues.
- Self-esteem issues are also tied to weight changes, creating a vicious cycle of furthering depression.
- Societal pressures about body image may add feelings of guilt and shame related to eating habits.
4. Irritability and Mood Swings
While depression is often characterized by sadness, women may also experience irritability, frustration, or anger. These mood swings can be triggered by anything.
- Frequent irritability and frustrations seem to rise unexpectedly.
- Mood swings can affect relationships and create feelings of isolation.
- Hormonal changes can once again cause fluctuations of mood.
- To avoid being labeled as “overly emotional” or “sensitive,” women may try to hide their emotions, only furthering their depression symptoms.
5. Feelings of Guilt and Shame
Though feelings of guilt and shame are not exclusive to women, they may be more intense in women with depression, focusing more on caregiving and perfectionism.
- There may be feelings of inadequacy when it comes to proper caregiving and good parenting.
- Self-blame and shame can be associated with an inability to be “perfect” in their roles as parents, professionals, and partners.
- They may be fearful of seeking help due to appearing “weak.”
- Societal pressure on women to seem put together and confident can also create a barrier to mental health help.
The Importance of Professional Help
Despite the stigma around therapy, or the fear of asking for help, the best way to manage and overcome depression symptoms is to seek guidance from a professional.
- Therapists and mental health providers can tailor treatment plans to address symptoms that are unique to women.
- Treatment options including a combination of talk therapy, medication, and mindfulness, can help manage symptoms. Professionals can help each individual find their own appropriate balance.
- Therapists can help women replace harmful coping strategies with healthier alternatives, such as stress management techniques, communication skills, and self-care practices.
- Whether it’s postpartum depression, menopause, or navigating difficult life stages, mental health professionals can provide specific support for these unique challenges.
When signs and symptoms of depression are noticed, it’s important to seek help to prevent them from escalating. Do you believe therapy is right for you? Schedule a session with a therapist in your community today!