10 Fundamentals To Know Symptoms Of Depression In Women You Didn't Learn In The Classroom
Symptoms of Depression in Women Women are no different from men in experiencing emotional ups and downs, but hormonal fluctuations are more likely to trigger these changes. The hormonal changes that happen during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopause can increase the risk of depression in women. Understanding the symptoms of depression can help you identify it when it is happening to someone you love. The symptoms that are most prevalent among women include: 1. Feelings of sadness and hopelessness People who suffer from depression are often despair or sad. Sometimes, these feelings are “normal” and are in line with life's ups-and-downs. But when they are persistent and intense, it's a sign of depression that requires professional intervention. Women who are pregnant or have just had a baby may suffer from the “baby blues.” But when the symptoms are more than mild and last for more than a week it's crucial to talk to a doctor. This is a sign that you may have postpartum depression, or major depression with symptoms that are peripartum. Perimenopausal depression can occur when hormone levels fluctuate during menopausal change. The symptoms include mood swings, hot flashes and sleep problems. These symptoms are more severe than the normal ones associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and include bloating, breast tenderness, disturbances in appetite and irritability. Treatments can include talk therapy like virtual or in-person counseling, antidepressant medication and brain stimulation techniques such as ECT and TMS. It is important to keep in mind that depression can be treatable and even the most severe cases can improve with appropriate treatment. 2. Loss of interest in or pleasure from things you used to like The loss of pleasure in activities you normally enjoy may be a symptom of depression. This could be a lack of desire to spend time with your friends, a decrease in reading or an eroding enthusiasm for activities you used to enjoy. It's important that you speak to a medical professional immediately if you notice any changes. Depression can cause people to lose interest in activities they normally enjoy doing and cause them to feel that there is no reason to continue. These feelings can lead to an inability to focus, which can make depression symptoms worse. Depression can be a problem for anyone but women are more likely to suffer from it than men. This is likely due to hormone, biological, and social factors that are specific to women. Women also tend to seek treatment for depression more often than men do. Men can have the same symptoms like women, including irritability or a loss of interest in things they usually enjoy doing, but research shows that they're less likely identify the symptoms and seek assistance for them. 3. Feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy Depression can be more intense and can last longer than sadness. Depression can make people feel inadequate or even guilty. They might even blame themselves for their own problems. They may also think about suicide. These signs are more prevalent for women than males. Women are more likely than men to seek treatment for depression. This is due to the fact that women are more likely than men to have chronic or serious illnesses that can cause depression to become worse. Some women experience depression following a difficult pregnancy during childbirth or after a relationship or family breakup. This is referred to as perinatal depression. Women are also more vulnerable to postpartum depression disorders, that affect the mother following the birth of a child. They can also be affected by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) which is which is a more severe form PMS that causes intense mood changes prior to the start of their menstrual cycle. It is essential to recognize that depression is a serious medical condition that should be taken seriously. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can just “get over.” Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and medication can be beneficial. 4. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Depression can make it difficult to think clearly or make decisions. It can also affect your ability to focus or perform simple tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed. Everyone feels down sometimes however, if feelings of despair or sadness become overwhelming and disrupt your everyday life, a health professional should be sought out for assistance. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression because they have different coping strategies and may be more impacted by stressful life events and changes, such as marital or relationship problems, a miscarriage or childbirth, work-life balance issues or financial difficulties. Women can also experience mood disorders that are related to their menstrual cycle, such as premenstrual disorder (PMDD), characterized by extreme irritability or other symptoms in the weeks leading up to the time when women have their period. Women may also experience perimenopausal depression disorders, which are similar to PMDD and are triggered by the transition from menopausal. These conditions can be caused by hormonal changes or stressors but they also are connected to a woman's position in her family and social group and a history of previous mental illness or depression in the family. 5. Sleeping too little or sleeping too often Women suffering from depression can be trouble sleeping. They may wake up frequently in the middle of the night or feel that they aren't getting enough rest. They may also experience difficulty falling asleep or feeling that they are getting up too early in the morning. These symptoms can lead to fatigue, which can worsen depression. Studies have shown that women are at a higher risk of depression than men. This could be due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty and pregnancy, or socioeconomic factors. Depression can be treated using antidepressants as well as talk therapy (virtual or in person) as well as other treatments, including brain stimulation techniques such as ECT and TMS. It is crucial to seek treatment when you experience symptoms that are severe or lasting for more than a week. You can chat online or call the suicide prevention hotline at 988. It is accessible 24/7. For local resources and links, click here. Finding help is the first step in feeling better. 6. Hot flashes and night sweats In the perimenopausal stage the majority of women experience hot flushes and night sweats. They can also happen anytime after menopausal symptoms. Night sweats and hot flashes are a sign of withdrawal from estrogen which occurs when female ovaries stop producing hormones (menopause). They can be caused by a number of causes such as hormonal changes that occur during menopausal, pregnancy, puberty or following surgery like the bilateral oophorectomy procedure to prevent cancer. Some medications can cause them, like birth control pills, NSAIDs and hormone replacement therapy. Depression is twice as common in women than in men, and researchers have found that there are a number of contributing factors. There are several factors that contribute to depression in women, including hormones that regulate reproduction, which is a specific female response to stress and cultural pressures. For example, women are more likely to ruminate when they are depressed which can prolong the duration of their symptoms. Women are more exhausted than men following an episode of depression. The feeling of fatigue is a sign of depression, and is also referred to as anhedonia. It is the loss of enjoyment in activities that used to be enjoyable. 7. Weight loss and appetite loss Women are more likely to suffer from depression than men, although it can affect anyone. Often, this is due to the different ways women and men express their emotions as well as how they respond to stressors. For instance women tend to cry more or feel emotional vulnerability and men are more likely to exhibit anger or irritability. In addition women are more likely to seek treatment for depression than men. Fatigue is a common manifestation of depression. It is due to depression causing the brain to reduce the production of epinephrine which is responsible for creating feelings of energy. This can lead to a loss of appetite, which can cause weight loss or growth. Other factors that can cause depression in women include hormonal changes during puberty menopausal and pregnancy, as well as past experiences with physical or sexual abuse. Women who are depressed are more likely to suffer from eating disorders and many suffer from unhealthy coping strategies like alcohol or drug misuse. severe depression symptoms can make depression more difficult to manage. 8. Anhedonia Women tend to experience more depression-related symptoms than men. This could be because women are more likely than men to seek treatment or to report their symptoms in a different way. Anhedonia is a lack of pleasure or enjoyment. It is common among those who are depressed, and could be a symptom of bipolar disorder or major depression. Anhedonia is a condition in which people have trouble identifying the things they enjoy or getting satisfaction from their activities such as hobbies or work. Many women experience anhedonia during periods of hormonal changes, like during pregnancy or after childbirth (perinatal depression) or prior to and following menstruation (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, also known as PMDD). These kinds of depression can be treated by counseling or medication. Women are also more vulnerable to the psychological causes of Depression like a stress and body image issues. They may also be more likely to ruminate about their negative feelings and thoughts, which can exacerbate their depression. It is essential to seek professional assistance or distract yourself from depression.