Mental Health Experts Reveal the Signs of Depression in Women You Should Never Ignore
Depression can manifest in many ways, and often presents differently for different people. Recognizing the signs of depression in women is crucial for early intervention and getting the right support (or seeking support for yourself!). Whether you or another woman you know is struggling with depression, here’s everything you need to know about how to identify it and what you can do to feel better.
Women are twice as likely to experience depression
On paper, depression should impact men and women equally. But reality is a bit different.
“Unfortunately, women are twice as likely as men to develop depression,” says Lilit Ayrapetyan, licensed clinical psychologist. “Depression is complex, and there's no one thing that causes it. But being a woman in today's world is so hard, and we still face such heavy gender inequalities. So in some ways, it isn't hard to see why.”
Marjorie Morrison, licensed therapist and cofounder of PsychHub, attributes these higher rates of depression to social factors as well as hormonal changes associated with menstruation, pregnancy (namely postpartum depression) and menopause.
“Women are more likely to experience certain types of stress, such as caregiving responsibilities, social pressures and gender-based violence, which can increase the risk of depression,” Morrison explains. “Biological factors can also contribute to a higher susceptibility. As women age, perimenopause and menopause play a significant role in increasing the risk of depression due to fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen.”
Signs of depression in women
Not only are women more likely than men to develop depression, but the symptoms of depression in women can manifest differently, says Morrison.
“In general, women may experience more sadness, guilt and feelings of worthlessness, while men are more likely to show anger, irritability or engage in risky behaviors,” Morrison explains. “Women also experience more physical symptoms than men, including aches and pains, fatigue and digestive problems, which are often overlooked as signs of depression.”
Depression is deeply personal, and can present differently in each person. But according to Morrison, common signs of depression in women include:
Changes in weight or appetite, including weight loss
Irritability
Fatigue or lack of energy
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
“The cornerstone of depression is a feeling of hopelessness,” says Renee Zavislak, licensed psychotherapist and trauma specialist. “If you wake up in the morning only to feel immediately crushed by the day, you are probably depressed.”
She adds that anhedonia, or the loss of feelings of pleasure, is another serious warning sign. “If you find that a night out with friends, or a jog or any of the things that used to bring you pleasure no longer do, this is another good sign that depression has taken hold,” Zavislak says.
Treatment options for women with depression
So: You or someone you know is showing signs of depression. What can you do? Seeking treatment is the most important first step.
“Early intervention is key to managing depression,” says Morrison. “The first step to take is to contact a medical or mental health professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and recommend the proper resources and treatment options.”
Seeking help from a licensed professional is the best way to manage the symptoms of depression in women. That said, therapy can be expensive and it’s not always possible to get an appointment right away.
Zavislak’s tips to ease feelings of depression
While waiting for professional help, Zavislak suggests a 'six-step recipe' to ease the symptoms of depression:
Eat whole, plant-based foods. “Food has a huge impact on mood, and those of us looking to improve our mood naturally should focus on a plant-based diet of whole foods,” Zavislak says.
Drink enough water. Aim for at least six to eight 8-oz. glasses a day.
Grow your ‘relationship lines’. “This means, simply, to put more time and energy into the positive relationships in your life,” explains Zavislak. “Depression's best friend is isolation, so social contact is perhaps the best foil to sadness.”
Soak up the sun. Pop outside for a few minutes every day to let the sun shine on your skin and eyes, Zavislak says.
Get ample rest. Sleep for at least seven hours a night.
Squeeze in some movement. “I very specifically use the word "movement" instead of exercise, because this doesn't have to be a gym workout or weightlifting or pilates,” says Zavislak. “In fact, turning up your favorite music and dancing around the house is the best case movement scenario when it comes to mood.”
Signs of depression in women: The bottom line
One of the most dangerous aspects of depression is the illusion of hopelessness it creates. People suffering from depression may feel that nothing will ever change, and there’s no point in taking steps to feel better. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
“If you are seeing signs of depression, know that you're not alone,” says Ayrapetyan. “Depression is a health condition like any other, and it can be treated. There is still so much stigma around getting mental health support, especially for women of older generations. But depression is not a sign of weakness. With professional support, you can start to feel better.”
For more mental health content
Women Going Through Perimenopause Are More at Risk for Depression
New Study Links Depression and Weight Gain — Here Are 3 MD-Approved Ways to Restore Your Health
Why Low-Impact Exercise May Be the Secret to Easing Depression
This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
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