Common Signs of Depression in Women and How to Spot Them

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders; however, hormonal changes, societal pressures, and the pressure of balancing multiple responsibilities can make women more vulnerable to this condition. These challenges can cause emotional, mental, and physical distress that often goes unnoticed. By paying attention to common signs of depression in women, you can learn to recognize when it’s time to seek support.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious mental health condition that can influence how you feel and the way you think. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness which are normal, depression can last for weeks, months, or longer, making it difficult to find pleasure in the things you once enjoyed.

Causes of Depression in Women

Women can experience depression for a myriad of reasons, from hormone fluctuations to the societal pressures of being a woman in general. Common causes of depression include:

Hormonal changes that happen from puberty to menopause, which can make it harder to manage stress and emotions.
The physical and emotional challenges of pregnancy and childbirth, which can sometimes result in postpartum depression.
Feeling the weight of societal expectations, like trying to balance career success with family responsibilities. This could cause burnout or feelings of not being enough.
Anxiety is more common in women and frequently goes hand-in-hand with depression.
A stronger, more intense reaction to stress, which can make women more likely to develop conditions like PTSD after trauma.
Social roles that add pressure, such as being expected to take on caregiving duties or manage households on top of everything else.
Workplace challenges, like lower pay and fewer opportunities compared to men, which can create financial stress and a sense of being undervalued.

Over time, balancing biological changes with societal expectations and psychological tendencies can take a toll on women and make them more vulnerable to depression.

Is Depression Common in Women?

Depression is more common in women than in men, and rates continue to rise. In fact, the rate of depression diagnoses in women has grown nearly twice as fast as in men since 2017. This increased rise in depression among women shows just how important it is to talk about mental health and make resources more accessible.

Additionally, according to a 2023 survey, over one-third of women (36.7%) in the United States reported being diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, compared to just 20.4% of men. Younger women seem to be the most affected as women aged 18 to 29 reported a depression diagnosis rate of 34.3%, and those aged 30 to 44 had a rate of 34.9%. These rates are noticeably higher than those seen in women over the age of 44.

Types of Depression Unique to Women

Depression can affect anyone; however, some types are unique to women due to their biology and life experiences. These include premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), perinatal depression, and perimenopausal depression.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in which women experience symptoms before their period that are worse than normal. While most women may have mild PMS symptoms that don’t disrupt their lives, 5% to 8% experience PMDD. This condition causes extreme emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with daily tasks and responsibilities.

Common symptoms of PMDD include:

Intense mood swings, irritability, or depression
Severe fatigue or low energy levels
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Physical symptoms like bloating, headaches, and joint pain

Although the exact cause of PMDD is unknown, researchers believe it may stem from how certain women respond to hormonal changes during their menstrual cycle. This chronic condition requires prompt treatment, which may include changing daily habits, going to therapy, or taking medication.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or within the first year after childbirth. It includes both prenatal depression (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after delivery). While some mood changes are normal during this time, perinatal depression is more intense and lasts longer, which can negatively affect a mother’s ability to care for herself or her baby.

Symptoms range from mild sadness to severe depression and can have widespread consequences, including:

Challenges in maintaining a close relationship with a partner
A lower likelihood of breastfeeding, impacting bonding and nutrition
Complications during pregnancy or childbirth
Potential long-term effects on a child’s emotional well-being and ability to learn

Early detection can give mothers and their babies a better chance of thriving in their new roles. It can also be helpful to lean on loved ones for extra help during this challenging transition.

Perimenopausal Depression

Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading up to menopause, commonly comes with physical changes like hot flashes and irregular periods. However, for many women, it can also cause emotional changes that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Nearly 4 in 10 women experience mood-related symptoms during this time, including:

Irritability
Tearfulness
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling drained

Unlike PMS, the mood changes during perimenopause don’t follow a predictable cycle and can last for years. For women with a history of depression or anxiety, this phase can feel even more burdensome as they may be at a higher risk of experiencing mood disorders.

Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can heighten emotional sensitivity, making feelings of sadness or hopelessness harder to manage. Options like hormone therapy, counseling, or lifestyle changes can help women get a better handle on the emotional ups and downs of this life stage.

Depression Symptoms in Women

There are no depression symptoms that are completely unique to women, but how those symptoms show up can feel different from person to person. The frequency, intensity, and duration of symptoms can vary a lot depending on the individual and their circumstances.

Here are some common symptoms of depression in women:

Feeling sad, hopeless, or emotionally numb most of the time
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy, like hobbies or spending time with loved ones
Always feeling tired, even if you’re getting enough sleep
Having trouble focusing or making decisions
Changes in appetite, like eating too much or not feeling like eating at all
Difficulty sleeping, either trouble falling asleep or wanting to sleep all the time
Feeling easily irritated, frustrated, or overwhelmed
Experiencing guilt, shame, or a constant feeling of not being good enough
Dealing with unexplained physical issues like headaches, stomachaches, or chronic pain
Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide

For some women, depression can feel like a constant heavy weight that never lifts, while for others, it might come and go in waves. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it might be time to reach out for support. If you’re having life-threatening symptoms, like suicidal thoughts or self-harm, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room right away.

Treatment Options for Women Struggling with Depression

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treating depression in women. For a lot of women, treatment includes a combination of medications and therapy that are customized for their unique needs and circumstances. It might take some trial and error before finding the right treatment plan for you, so patience is key.

Medication

Medications are a common part of depression treatment and are prescribed based on the type and severity of your condition. The FDA has approved several types of antidepressants, including:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) like escitalopram and fluoxetine
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI) like duloxetine and venlafaxine
Tricyclic and Tetracyclic Antidepressants like amoxapine and amitriptyline
Atypical Antidepressants like trazodone and bupropion
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline and isocarboxazid
N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) Antagonists like esketamine (nasal spray)
Neuroactive Steroid Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)-A Receptor Positive Modulator like brexanolone (IV infusion)

Therapy

Therapy is another piece of depression treatment that can be just as effective as medication, especially for mild to moderate cases. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most well-researched and widely recommended treatments. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that are common in depression. Other types of therapy to consider include:

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which focuses on improving relationships and social functioning
Mindfulness-Based Therapies, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which help women manage stress and stay grounded in the present
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which is useful for managing intense emotions and improving coping skills
Psychodynamic Therapy, which looks at how past experiences and unresolved conflicts influence current emotional struggles
Group Therapy, where women can connect with others who share similar experiences

Get Compassionate Care with Cura Behavioral Health

Common signs of depression in women may not always be evident, but learning how to recognize them is an important step toward finding the right support. If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, you don’t have to face them alone.

At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide compassionate, personalized care to help women have more control over their mental health. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal changes, stress, or something else that is contributing to your depression, we’re here to help. Contact us today to get the care you deserve.

Sources:

Causes of the male-female ratio of depression based on the psychosocial factors – Frontiers in Psychology

U.S. Depression Rates Reach New Highs – Gallup

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder – StatPearls

Perinatal Depression – National Institute of Mental Health

Perinatal Depression: Challenges and Opportunities – Journal of Women’s Health

Mood Changes During Perimenopause Are Real. Here’s What to Know. – The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

As Menopause Nears, Be Aware It Can Trigger Depression And Anxiety, Too – NPR

Depression Medicines – U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Cognitive behavior therapy vs. control conditions, other psychotherapies, pharmacotherapies and combined treatment for depression: a comprehensive meta-analysis including 409 trials with 52,702 patients – World Psychiatry

Is TMS Therapy Right for You?

Determining if TMS therapy suits your mental health journey should involve consultation with a qualified professional. At Cura Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive assessments to help you make informed treatment decisions.

Begin Your Transformation Today

Don’t let a mental health condition hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with Cura Behavioral Health today. Our experienced team is ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.