What Are Some Signs of Depression in Women?
Life is filled with ups and downs. At times, it can feel like you’re on a rollercoaster.
Maybe you noticed a family member, a friend, or a coworker acting a little differently lately. Or maybe how you’ve been acting the past two weeks is concerning yourself.
Something seems off but you can’t seem to pinpoint it. After some time and research, you realize that the feelings, thoughts, and emotions don’t seem to be dwindling.
Depression can affect everyone, no matter their gender. Due to several different factors, especially relating to physical and hormonal changes that a woman can experience, depression is more likely to be common in women compared to men.
Let’s look into some of the signs of depression in women.
Feelings of Guilt and Worthlessness
Depression affects the way you feel about life. Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and self-criticism are common signs and symptoms of depression, especially in women.
Uncontrollable emotions like crying and mood swings are more common in women as well. Men typically are more likely to show signs of anger or irritability, but that doesn’t mean that women won’t or can’t experience these feelings or emotions as well.
Someone experiencing these types of feelings may often assume that everything is their fault or that there is no longer a point to their day-to-day activities and life.
Changes in Sleep Schedule
Depression can cause individuals to have trouble sleeping at night or to sleep too much during the day. Insomnia is common among individuals with depression. Being tired and fatigued are common signs and symptoms in people suffering from depression.
Anxiety
In addition to worsening depression symptoms, other mental health issues like anxiety can occur. Anxiety can also be linked to sleep issues, which means that the changes in the sleep schedule caused by depression mixed with the combination of anxiety can seem like a neverending cycle.
Anxiety can also bring on other symptoms like the following:
- Increase breathing
- Lack of concentration
- Muscle aches or pains
- Rapid heart rate
- Restlessness
- Panic attacks
Loss of Interest
Often with depression, individuals will stop partaking in things they once enjoyed. Not only can depression cause you to stop feeling pleasure or happiness in activities you once loved, but sleep troubles can also take a toll on your energy levels.
Losing interest and withdrawing or isolating yourself are other common signs and symptoms of depression.
Changes in Appetite and Weight
Changes in eating habits are a common sign of depression. Depression can cause someone to eat less and lose weight or eat more and gain weight.
It’s typically more common for women experiencing depression to have an increased appetite and gain weight. Usually the weight loss or weight gain isn’t intentional.
Suicidal Feelings
If depression is left untreated, it can lead to thoughts or actions relating to suicide. Statistically, women are more likely to think about suicide, while men are more likely to attempt and commit suicide.
But it’s important to remember that if you’re having suicidal thoughts or ideations, you should reach out for help immediately. Although women may think about it more, it doesn’t mean some won’t act on it.
Getting Help
No matter your gender, depression is treatable, and you are not alone.
Many women experience depression throughout their life. Compared to men, women typically experience depression at an earlier age. Depression in women is known to last longer and it is also more likely to reoccur at another point in their life.
If you think that you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of depression, especially for longer than two weeks, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.
Seek help by reaching out to us today to schedule a consultation. We’ll get you back on track to living your life to the fullest again.