Rates of Depression Are Higher In Women

Women with a family history of depression are at an increased risk for developing depression. It is likely an interaction of multiple genes and environment that places a woman at risk for developing depression. Risk factors for depression are important because they highlight some of the differences between men and women. It is unlikely any one of these risk factors is solely responsible for a woman’s depression, but rather a combination of factors would increase one’s risk.

Signs of depression in women are unique for many reasons. Rates of depression are higher in women all across the world, and the causes and manifestations are different for women then they are men. For decades studies in clinical psychology have focused on men, and the uniqueness of a woman's experience was essentially ignored. Clearly the biological and cultural influences which produce signs of depression in women are different. 

Clearly the biological and cultural influences which produce signs of depression in women are different. It’s also important to understand that contributors to women's depression also are unique. Communication patterns, codependency, trust issues and relationship issues, compassion fatigue, burnout and hormonal issues can all be contributing factors.

Hormonal and chemical changes prompting depression - This is one of the signs of depression in women that is not well studied or understood. Our body and our mind are really not separate. When we are depressed or anxious our body may get physically ill, and may ache or hurt in ways that we can’t quite explain. It is not surprising that efforts to work on this division between mind and body through meditation, physical exercise and yoga are components of effective treatment for depression.

Loss of energy and change in sleep patterns- Depressed women often don’t want to get out of bed, and don’t have the energy to do small tasks such as the bills or the grocery shopping. At times they will lay in bed ruminating about things they should do, unable to sleep, or they may sleep at times when they feel they shouldn’t be.

Feelings of sadness or anxiety as signs of depression in women - Women who are depressed report that they are having crying spells or those they feel numb. Depending on the severity of the depression, they may describe intense feelings of anxiety where they find themselves worrying about things that are unimportant.

Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities as signs of depression in women. Women who are depressed will often withdraw from social activities they used to find pleasurable. This causes a sense of isolation that often feeds the depression. Part of the difficulty with this symptom is that it interacts with other symptoms. If a woman has a scheduled pleasurable activity with others, because of the depression she may start to feel she is being judged or does not measure up. She also may lack the energy to participate in activities that were once pleasurable. This makes it difficult to do the very thing she needs to do to feel better.  For more information visit the site https://selfbetter.com/