The most common depression symptoms in women are sadness and irritability. There are many other signs and symptoms of depression in women. This article will provide you with a list of the most cited depression symptoms in women. It will also elaborate ion the types of depressions that are mostly experienced by women. Depending on the type of depression, additional symptoms may manifest themselves. While depression is an illness that is common it should not be misinterpreted as a passing moodiness. By being able to evaluate the symptoms it will make it easier for women to obtain the help necessary to treat the depression symptoms in women.
Depression is a common mental disorder. Depression is more often diagnosed in women than men. Depression is also misinterpreted by many people. In fact, we all know women who constantly refer to their passing moodiness or blues as depression. How often do we meet women that say “I’m so depressed today”? Well, most of them are probably using the term in vain. But what about those who are feeling helpless, irritable, or sad for a long period of time? In this article, you will be explained what depression is. You will also find a list of depression symptoms frequently found in women. Furthermore, the article will elaborate on the different types of depression most commonly experienced by women.
What is Depression?
Depression is mental illness that does not cure itself on its own. It is a serious condition that causes the person to be unable to continue with their daily activities. To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience a few of the signs and symptoms of depression for a period of time exceeding 2 weeks. Depression is not a passing moodiness, or sadness that goes away on its own: It needs to be treated. Depression is not a condition you want to have. So, for all of you who claim to be depressed because you like the attention it gives you, please stop. A majority of people take depression lightly because of those who used the term wrongly. Serious conditions, such as depression, should be treated as so.
Depression Symptoms In Women
Symptoms of depression in women are not all the same. Every woman experiences depression differently. This being said, there are a number of depression symptoms women can suffer from. This list identifies the most common signs and symptoms of depression in women.
Depression signs and symptoms in women include but are not limited to:
Emotional signs and symptoms:
- Feeling helpless, or worthless
- Feeling sad
- Feelings of guilt that are not founded
- Low self-esteem
- Feeling irritable
- Feeling of loss
- Anxiety
Social signs and symptoms:
- Social isolation
- Loss of interest in friends and family members
- Withdrawal from others
- Loss of interest at work
- Thoughts of suicide
Physical signs and symptoms:
- Significant weight change (loss or gain)
- Significant change in appetite
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Lessened sex drive or lack of sexual desire
- Agitation
- Lethargy
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Joint and muscle ache
Cognitive signs and symptoms:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble with memory (short term memory loss)
- Inability or difficulty taking decisions
Normally, depression is accompanied by at least five of these symptoms. A person with depression will feels sad or helpless for the most part of every day for a period exceeding two weeks. Although men, also suffer from depression, albeit at a lower rate, the way they exteriorize them differently. Actually, men who suffer from depression will seldom talk about the emotional signs of depression and rather complain about the physical signs and symptoms. They also have a tendency to adopt a reckless behaviour and turn to alcohol and drugs. This makes it harder to diagnose men and might explain why depression is more often than not considered a woman’s disease. Hence, women are more likely than men to communicate the classic symptoms associated with depression.
Types Of Depressions Common In Women
Certain types of depressions are more common in women than men.
Atypical depression: this is a type of depression where the signs and symptoms are that are opposite to those of clinical depression. For example, instead of having trouble sleeping (insomnia) people with atypical depression will have a tendency to sleep too much (hypersomnia). Other atypical depression symptoms in women (and men) are carbohydrate cravings, eating excessively, and weight gain. A worsening of the mood (irritability) as the day advances, especially in the evening is also customary with this type of depressive disorder.
Postpartum Depression: This is a type of depression that is strongly associated with the fluctuation in hormone levels after a woman gives birth.. The pressure felt by new mothers to care for an infant can also be a factor when dealing with this type of depressive disorder. In addition to the depression symptoms in women listed above, some of the symptoms of postpartum depression are:
- lack of interest in your baby
- anger or frustration
- Thoughts of harming your baby
- Chest pains
- Hyperventilation
- Low libido
These common signs of postpartum depression often appear within days of giving birth but may show up as late as several months after giving birth. If this type of depression goes untreated the symptoms will likely increase over time and can last for up to one year.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PPMD): Is a severe form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It differs from the “normal” discomfort and moodiness associated with PMS because the intensity of these symptoms interfere with everyday life.. A woman that experiences severe episodes of depression or severe mood swings, fatigue to a point where her daily activities seem to be too much is most likely suffering from PPMD. As opposed to other types of depression, that require treatment, PPMD usually disappears after 10 days.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Is a type of depression that is more common in women, but that can be found in men as well. Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused by a lack of natural sunlight. It is more prevalent in winter, as it follows a seasonal pattern. The symptoms associated with SAD are the same as the ones linked to clinical depression.
For someone to be diagnosed with depression, they should have at least five of these symptoms for a period of two weeks or more. Like I mentioned earlier, depression doesn’t disappear on its own. There are numerous treatments available for depression (medication, therapy, light therapy, exercise, natural remedies etc.) If you or someone you know appears to have depression, it is recommended to consult a heath care provider as soon as possible. Depression is a serious illness and requires treatment.