Symptoms of Depression in Women
Women are subject to emotional fluctuations as do men, however the difference lies in that these changes are more likely to be caused by hormonal fluctuations. The hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, menstruation, and perimenopause can increase the risk of depression in women.
You can identify depression in someone you love by learning the
subtle signs of depression. Women are more likely to suffer the following symptoms:
1. Feelings of despair, sadness or despair
People suffering from depression might be depressed or sad. Sometimes, these feelings are "normal" and go along with life's peaks and valleys. When they are persistent or severe, this is an indication that you require professional assistance.
Women who are expecting or have just had a baby might experience the "baby blues." But when the symptoms are more than mild and last for weeks, it's important to talk to an expert. This could be a sign of postpartum depression or a major depression with peripartum onset.
Perimenopausal Depression can occur when the hormone levels change. Symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, and problems sleeping. These symptoms can be more severe than those that are typically associated with premenstrual (PMS), including bloating and breast tenderness. They may also be accompanied by disturbances in appetite, irritability, and anger. Talk therapy, including in-person or virtual counseling, antidepressant medications and brain stimulation techniques such as ECT and TMS are all options as treatments. Even the most severe forms of depression can be treated with the right treatment.
2. Loss of interest in or pleasure from things you used to enjoy
The loss of enthusiasm for activities you normally enjoy may be a sign of depression. This could mean that you don't want to spend time with friends, not reading as often, or even losing interest in hobbies that you once enjoyed. If you notice this change it's crucial to speak to a healthcare professional right away.
Depression can make people lose interest in things they normally enjoy and cause them to believe that there is no reason to pursue it anymore. This can lead to feeling tired and this can then feed back into depression, making the symptoms worse.
Depression can happen at any age, but it is more
common signs of depression for women than males. That's likely because of hormonal, biological and social aspects that are unique to women. Women also tend to seek treatment for depression more frequently than men do. Men can also have the same symptoms women do, such as irritability and a lack of interest in their usual activities, however research suggests they are less likely to identify these symptoms and seek help.
3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Depression can be more intense and last for longer than sadness. People suffering from depression might also feel resentful or unworthy, and they often blame themselves for their troubles. They might also consider suicide. These symptoms are more prevalent in women than in men. This is partly because women are more likely to seek treatment for depression. It is also partly because certain women are more likely to suffer from chronic or serious health conditions that can make depression more serious.
Women may experience depression after the difficult pregnancy during childbirth or after the breakup of a family or relationship. This is known as the perinatal depression. Women may also be more prone to postpartum depression, which affects the mother after the birth. They may also suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD), which is a more severe form of PMS and causes intense mood swings before their period.
It is essential to recognize that depression is a medical condition that needs to be treated seriously. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can just "get over." Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, can help.
4. Difficulty concentrating, or making decisions
Depression can make it difficult to make decisions or think clearly. It can also hinder your ability to concentrate or perform simple tasks, such as cooking, cleaning or getting dressed.
Everyone has moments of sadness but when feelings of despair or sadness take over your life and affect your daily functioning, a health professional should be sought out for assistance. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression because they have different coping mechanisms and may encounter more stressful life events and changes, like a marital or relationship issues, a miscarriage or childbirth or financial issues.
Women also have mood problems that are tied to menstrual cycles, such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which causes extreme irritation and other symptoms during the week before the woman has her menstrual cycle. Some women also experience perimenopausal depression, which is similar to PMDD but happens during the menopausal transition. These conditions may be caused by hormonal changes or stressors but they are also related to the role women play in her social and family group, as well as a history of previous depression or family mental illness.
5. Too little sleep or taking in too much
Women with depression may have difficulty sleeping. They might wake up frequently during the night or feel they are not getting enough sleep. They might also have problems sleeping or feel they're waking up too early in the morning. These symptoms can lead to fatigue, which can exacerbate depression.
Research has shown that women are at a greater risk for depression than men. This could be because of hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause, or because of social and economic factors that put women at a higher risk.
Depression can be treated using antidepressants as well as talk therapy (virtual or in person) as well as other treatments, including brain stimulation techniques like ECT and TMS. If you're experiencing symptoms that are intense and last for a few weeks, it is crucial to get help. You can contact a suicide prevention hotline which is accessible around all hours of the day at 988, or chat online to get assistance. Click here to find links and local resources. The first step towards feeling better is to get help.
6. Hot flashes and night sweats
During the perimenopausal phase there are many women who have hot flushes as well as night sweats. They can also occur anytime after menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes and night sweats are a sign of estrogen withdrawal which occurs when ovaries stop making hormones (menopause). These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes during puberty, or menopausal changes. They may also occur after surgery, such as an oophorectomy that is bilateral for cancer prevention. Certain medications can trigger them, like birth control pills, NSAIDs and hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers have found that depression is twice as prevalent among women than men. They also found a number contributing factors. There are several factors that cause depression in women, including hormones of reproduction, a particular female response to stress, and cultural pressures.
Women are more likely than men to be ruminating when they experience depression, which can prolong the symptoms. Women are more exhausted than men following the onset of depression. This feeling of exhaustion is a symptom of depression and is also referred to as anhedonia. It is the loss of pleasure in things that used to be enjoyable.
7. Weight loss and loss of appetite
Women are more likely to experience depression than men, though it can be experienced by any person. This is often due to differences between how women and men express their emotions and respond to stressors. For instance, women are more likely to cry or feel emotional vulnerability and men are more likely to exhibit anger or irritability. Women are also more likely than men to seek treatment for depression.
Fatigue is another frequent depression-related symptoms. It is due to depression causing the brain to block the production of epinephrine, which is responsible for generating feelings of energy. This could lead to a decline in appetite, which could cause weight growth or loss.
Other factors that may cause depression in women include hormonal changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause and the past experiences of sexual or physical abuse. Women with depression also have a higher chance of developing eating disorders and unhealthy methods of coping like alcohol or drug use. This can make depression harder to manage.
8. Anhedonia
Although depression can affect anyone of any gender, women tend to exhibit more
recognizing depressive symptoms symptoms than men. This could be because women are more likely than men to seek treatment or report their symptoms differently.
Anhedonia is a feeling of not having enjoyment or pleasure. It is
Common symptoms of depression among people who are depressed, and could be a symptom of major depression or bipolar disorder. Anhedonia is a condition in which people are unable to identify the things they enjoy or finding satisfaction from activities such as hobbies or work.
Many women experience anhedonia throughout periods of hormonal changes, for example when they are pregnant or following childbirth (perinatal depression) or prior to and following menstrual cycle (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, also known as PMDD). These kinds of depression are sometimes treated with counseling or medications. Women may also be more prone to psychological causes of Depression, such as negative body image and stress. They might also be more prone to thinking about their negative emotions, which can prolong depression. It is important to seek professional assistance or to distract yourself from depression.
