How Is Depression Symptoms in Women

Depression is a serious mental health disorder that can interfere with a person's daily life, abilities, and responsibilities. Experts point out that depression is more common among women than men. In addition, the symptoms of depression in women manifest differently and appear in different situations.

Not every moment of sadness or upset means depression, but we invite you to find out why depression, a disease that affects about 264 million people worldwide, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), can manifest itself differently, depending on sex.

"The women of our times are fighting, passionate and dedicated, adapting to the increasingly complex challenges. But there are times in life when a combination of factors can lead to feelings of helplessness and overwhelm even the most resilient women.

High family and socio-professional pressure, sometimes overlapping with old emotional wounds and exacerbated by hormonal variations, can all lead to difficult-to-manage mental reactions.

Depression, more common in women

Women are more likely to have depression than men, according to experts. Specifically, depression and depressive symptoms in women are reported twice as often as in men, in different social contexts, according to the World Health Organization.

Mental illness and depression are added to the list of elements that deepen the socio-economic discrepancies between women and men. Women and men have different control over access to resources, social status, roles, options, and treatment in society. Among other things, inequality, poverty, and gender-based violence are factors that contribute to differences in depression, its causes, and symptoms.

In addition to social factors, there are also certain biological and hormonal factors, unique to women, that influence the more frequent occurrence of depression among them.

At the same time, various other factors and life situations can contribute to the onset of depressive symptoms in women, such as:

• the stress of dividing work and raising a child, especially in the absence of a life partner;

• the difficulty of getting pregnant;

• the onset of pregnancy too early in adolescence;

• family history of depression;

• the loss of a parent in childhood, before the age of 10;

• job loss, unemployment;

• financial instability or its outlook;

• emotional issues, relationship, divorce;

• emotional and sexual abuse in childhood;

• certain medications.

Symptoms of depression in women

Depression is not a temporary condition, it is a mental health disorder that can affect your daily life. According to specialized data, depression in women differs from that in men by several characteristics:

• it can appear earlier in life, it can take longer, it can come back and it is more likely to be associated with stressful life events, women being more sensitive to change;

• women may experience guilt more often and may attempt suicide, although successful suicide attempts are more common among men;

• In women, depression is more often associated with anxiety, panic symptoms, phobias, as well as eating disorders.

And the warning signs of depression in women may be different than in men. Here are the most common symptoms of depression in women:

• persistent sadness, anxiety, feeling of inner emptiness;

• loss of interest in enjoyable activities and hobbies;

• decreased libido;

• problems with concentration, memory, difficulty making decisions;

• irritability, restlessness;

• the feeling of worthlessness, low self-esteem;

• excessive, uncontrolled, constant crying;

• an altered sleep routine - either too much sleep or too little sleep;

• loss of appetite / excessive weight loss or vice versa, weight gain;

• feeling tired, lacking energy;

• somatizations - physical symptoms with a mental cause;

• suicidal thoughts.

Types of depression specific only to women

Certain forms of depression can occur exclusively in women. Pregnancy, the postpartum period, premenopause and the menstrual cycle are factors that can cause dramatic physical and hormonal changes, as well as symptoms of depression in women.

Certain forms of depression in women can therefore occur at different times in life. If you notice these signs, seek specialist help.

Premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual syndrome is characterized by irritability and mood swings before menstruation.

The symptoms are mild in this case. There is, however, a severe form called premenstrual dysphoric disorder that can be manifested by symptoms of depression and physical symptoms, very intense and sometimes disabling such as:

• irritability, anger, depression;

• bouts of crying, anxiety;

• increased sadness, suicidal thoughts;

• appetite changes;

• ballooning;

• breast tenderness;

• joint and muscle pain.

Perinatal depression

This type of depression starts during pregnancy (and is called prenatal depression) and continues after birth (known as postpartum depression).

The symptoms of perinatal depression are:

• feelings of deep sadness;

• anxiety and feeling of worthlessness, inability, overwhelm;

• severe fatigue;

• difficulty in performing daily tasks;

• negative thoughts about the child;

• the tendency to neglect daily responsibilities, including those related to the child and oneself.

Premenopausal depression

During the transition to menopause, women may experience symptoms of depression that accompany the rest of the signs of approaching menopause - abnormal menstruation, sleep problems, mood swings, hot flashes.

Symptoms of premenopausal depression include:

• increased irritability;

• anxiety;

• persistent sadness;

• loss of joy in loving activities;

• feeling of worthlessness and helplessness;

• fatigue, lack of energy and motivation;

• uncontrollable crying, despair.

As a woman, if you experience symptoms of depression, regardless of the situation and time of your life, do not be afraid to seek help. Bellanima specialists are with you.