6 Signs of Depression in Women

Depression doesn’t discriminate. It impacts both men and women, and the symptoms are often the same. However, studies have shown that women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression. This is largely due to the number of risk factors women face.

But does depression actually impact women differently?

Again, many of the symptoms of depression are the same for men and women, but there are some unique things to look out for if you’re wondering whether you might be dealing with this mental health issue.

Let’s take a look at a few signs of depression in women and what you can do to fight back.

1. Feelings of Guilt

Depression and guilt often go hand-in-hand, but women might be more likely to experience these symptoms than men. Women are often natural caretakers. If they feel like they can’t take care of themselves or their families because of feelings of sadness, it can cause them to feel guilty or ashamed.

Depression also often causes a lack of energy and the desire to withdraw from people and things you typically enjoy. If you’re too tired to spend time with friends or you choose to isolate instead of going out and having fun, it can cause your thoughts to become heavy with guilt.

2. Worthlessness

Guilt often leads to a negative self-image. Women tend to be more hyper-critical of themselves than men, so when you’re dealing with negative thoughts, you might start to see yourself as worthless.

Unfortunately, that fuels the depression and creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break free from.

3. Mood Swings

Depression isn’t necessarily a constant state of sadness. You might experience boosts of energy or even feel good for a while, only to “drop” back down again shortly thereafter.

A sense of hopelessness and helplessness never really leaves when you’re struggling with depression, but your mood can fluctuate. That will leave you exhausted and overwhelmed.

4. Lack of Joy

Do you find that you don’t enjoy things the way you used to? Maybe you simply can’t find happiness in anything, from watching your kids play to spending time with close friends.

If you feel like the joy has been ripped from your life, it’s easy to fall deeper into a state of depression. It can also cause things like crying with no specific cause or feeling like things will never change or get better.

5. Changes in Eating and Sleeping Habits

Most people understand that depression is a mental health issue, but it can also impact you physically. You might have a harder time maintaining a steady sleep routine. Unfortunately, again, that often makes symptoms worse.

Some people with depression lose their appetite or forget to eat, while others look to food for comfort and coping. Either extreme can cause weight fluctuations, which can impact your physical health.

6. Other Physical Symptoms

Don’t ignore aches and pains, digestive issues, or fatigue. These are additional physical signs of depression that can make the mental and emotional symptoms even worse. When you don’t feel your best physically, it’s much harder to find a state of happiness and hope.

What Can You Do?

The good news is that women are often more likely to seek help for depression than men. If the signs of depression in women listed here sound familiar, it’s never too early or too late for you to reach out.

Depression is often very manageable, especially with therapy. A therapist will help you understand the root of your depression while working on symptom management. If you’re interested in learning more about depression treatment or you’re ready to set up a consultation, feel free to contact me.