Depression is not a temporary bad mood or a short period of sadness, but a significant mood disorder that may affect daily routine, everyday functioning, and relationships. Sometimes it is not immediately identified, because the symptoms can develop gradually and persist for a long time before the woman realizes that she is dealing with depression. A new study published on the Healthline website reveals the difficulty.
According to the study findings, women experience depression at nearly twice the rate of men, and sometimes also in a different way. The differences may be related to hormonal changes, significant life events, and social norms that influence the way women and men express emotional distress.
Common symptoms
Depression in women may manifest as a loss of interest in hobbies or activities that previously brought enjoyment, difficulty concentrating over time, a decrease in appetite or weight, and fatigue or weakness with no clear cause. Alongside this, women may experience deep feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness about the future.
Additional symptoms include anxiety, irritability, crying without a clear reason, sleep difficulties, sharp mood swings, and even thoughts of death. However, it is important to emphasize that depression does not look the same in every person, and not everyone who deals with it will experience all the symptoms.
Between women and men
One of the central aspects in understanding depression is the way it may manifest differently in women and men. Men may exhibit anger, blame their surroundings, engage in conflicts, or turn to destructive habits such as drinking. Women, on the other hand, may express sadness, blame themselves, or turn to unhealthy habits such as emotional eating.
These differences are not absolute, but they also reflect different social expectations: Men are sometimes expected to display toughness, while women are expected to be more emotionally open. In practice, each person experiences depression in their own way.
Factors unique to women
In women, hormonal changes may play a central role. Premenstrual syndrome may also include depression and anxiety, and in more severe cases develop into premenstrual dysphoric disorder, which is considered a form of depression.
Pregnancy and childbirth may also be accompanied by depression. Perinatal depression, which appears during pregnancy or after childbirth, may include sleep difficulties, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and a feeling of inability to take care of yourself or the baby. In addition, the premenopausal period and menopause itself may be accompanied by depressive symptoms, especially against a background of stress, relationship problems, past trauma, or a history of postpartum depression.
Ways of coping and seeking help
Coping with depression may include turning to a counselor or therapist, who can provide a safe space to talk about feelings, guilt, or shame. Exposure to sunlight, regular physical activity, a healthy diet, meditation, yoga, and family and social support may also help reduce symptoms.
However, when lifestyle changes are not enough, it is recommended to turn to a doctor, counselor, or therapist. In cases where the symptoms are severe or impair functioning, medication with antidepressants may be needed. According to the text, such treatment is not a sign of weakness, but may help with chemical or hormonal balance and allow more stable daily functioning.