What women need to know about depression

Approximately one in eight women can expect to develop clinical depression each year. Despite the number of women who experience clinical depression, it's in fact not a "female weakness" or simply a normal part of being a woman.

Clinical depression can occur in any woman, regardless of age, race or income. Depression robs women of the pleasure found in daily life, and can even be serious enough to lead to suicide. The good news is that depression is a very treatable illness.

Clinical depression is more than "the blues"

Clinical depression is not just "the blues" which we all experience now and then. It is normal to feel sad or upset at times because of the death of a loved one, from a divorce and in times of illness. Too much work or troubles at home also can be stressful, but most women can get through these difficult times without becoming clinically depressed.

Some people mistakenly believe that only people who have experienced depressive symptoms for months, or who have completely lost their ability to function, have clinical depression. In fact, when the symptoms of depression last more than two weeks, or when the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, you may have clinical depression.

Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression

Although the reasons for this difference are not known, research suggests that biological differences in women – such as hormonal changes and genetics – may contribute to depression. Additionally, social reasons, such as greater stresses from work and family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women, and even the increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty among women, may lead to higher rates of clinical depression.

Research also indicates some possible reasons women experience depression during different stages of life. Regardless of the reasons, depression is never a normal part of a woman’s life.

Adolescence — The higher incidence of depression in women begins in adolescence, when there are dramatic changes in roles and expectations for teenage girls, along with physical and hormonal changes.

Adulthood — Many women face a variety of stresses such as major responsibilities at home and work, a greater likelihood of being a single parent, and caring for children and aging parents. Rates of depression are higher for women when they are unhappily married. Being unmarried, including being separated and divorced, increases the risk of depression in both women and men.

Menstruation — While many women experience irritability or depressed feelings before their menstrual period, these feelings last only a few days. Extreme emotional and physical symptoms are often a result of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and may benefit from treatment by a doctor.

Postpartum Depression — Many women experience sadness following childbirth, ranging from a few days of the "blues" to clinical depression. Although as many as one in every 10 new mothers experience serious depressive symptoms, in most cases it passes in a week or two. However, long-lasting clinical depression in a mother can have a negative effect on a child’s behavior and development, which is another important reason to seek treatment.

Menopause — Women are at no greater risk for clinical depression during menopause than at any other time in their lives. However, women who have a history of depression may be more likely to experience a recurrence during menopause.

Later Life — Most older women feel satisfied with their lives. However, some factors in later life can increase the risk of clinical depression. The death of a spouse can lead to depression. Additionally, depression can be triggered by other illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes and arthritis. This is called "co-occurring" depression and should be treated along with any other illnesses. Depression is never a normal part of growing older.

Depression can be successfully treated

Clinical depression is one of the most treatable of all medical illnesses. In fact, more than 80% of people with depression can be treated successfully with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. Only a qualified healthcare professional can decide if someone has clinical depression. As with many illnesses, if treatment is needed, the earlier it begins the more effective it can be. Furthermore, early treatment decreases the likelihood of recurrence.

You cannot treat depression on your own

Some people are embarrassed to get help for clinical depression, or are reluctant to talk about how they are feeling. Others believe that depression will simply go away on its own, and that they should just "tough it out." Such views are simply wrong -- like any other medical illness, depression requires professional treatment.

Talking to friends, family members and clergy can often give you the support needed when going through life's difficulties. However, for those with clinical depression, such support is no substitute for the care of a health professional. Clinical depression is a serious illness that you cannot treat on your own.

You may need to help the woman you care about

The nature of depression often makes it difficult for people to find the motivation or energy to seek treatment. This means that friends and family need to help, not only by expressing their concern but also by guiding a woman suffering from depression to seek treatment. In fact, depression can even cause confusion and withdrawal, so it may be helpful for family or friends to accompany them to their doctor for an evaluation, to ask questions and note instructions.

Life can be enjoyable again! With recognition and treatment, clinical depression can be overcome! Talk with your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you think you may have symptoms of clinical depression. To determine whether you are experiencing symptoms, take our confidential depression-screening test.

Copyright © 2007 Mental Health America

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