Depression In Women

What is depression in women?
Depression can happen to any woman for any number of reasons, no matter what her age, ethnicity or income. Depression is not a normal part of being a woman, and the condition is very treatable. Some things to know:

• About 12 million women experience depression in any given year.
• Women suffer depression at about twice the rate of men.
• One out of eight women will develop depression sometime in life.
• Depression occurs most frequently in women between the ages of 25 and 44.
• Research shows a strong relationship between depression and eating disorders in women.
• Misdiagnosis happens in about 30% to 50% of cases.
• Fewer than half of all women with depression get treatment.

Signs & symptoms
Only a doctor can determine if you have depression. Despite advances in diagnosing the condition, it is often overlooked because people don't talk about their feelings or mood changes. It's important to talk honestly about your mood just as you would talk about any other health concern. Here are some questions to help you evaluate your own situation:

• Have you been feeling sad or nervous for a while?
• Do you feel gloomy or "out of it"?
• Have you lost interest in hobbies or things you like to do?
• Is it harder than usual to concentrate, remember things or make a decision?
• Do you stay awake longer or oversleep more often than usual?
• Has your appetite changed? Your weight?
• Do people tell you that you're irritable or you're not paying enough attention?
• Do you often think about death or suicide?

If you answered "yes" to more than half of these questions, or if you have frequent thoughts about death or suicide, tell your doctor. You also can take our online Depression Evaluation for more information and to help you decide whether to seek treatment.

Who's at risk?
Many factors unique to women's lives may play a role in development of depression, including reproductive events and the accompanying hormonal changes that can affect emotions and mood. These events include:

• The menstrual cycle

• Pregnancy
• Infertility
• Miscarriage

• Post-pregnancy

• Pre-menopause
• Menopause

A special area of concern is post-pregnancy, when about 10% to 15% of new mothers develop postpartum depression. When hormonal changes combined with the new responsibilities of baby care cause depression lasting longer than two weeks, you need to seek immediate help from your doctor.

Women also may suffer more depression because of social and relationship stresses unique to them, such as:

Professional help
Treatment for depression varies and may include the following:

• You may have to change your diet, change the medications you are taking or exercise more often.
• You may have to take a medication called an antidepressant.
• You might be encouraged to begin talk therapy.

While treatment is usually effective, it may take time to find what works for you. Fortunately, more than 80% of people with depression find ways to reduce or eliminate the condition and its symptoms.

Priority Health members can check here for information on getting mental health assistance.

What you can do
If you're a woman with concerns about depression, the best place to start is by talking to your doctor. He or she can help you evaluate different courses of treatment and help you decide whether you need help from other professionals. It also helps become more knowledgeable about depression and its effects. Read more:

• What is depression?
• Bipolar disorder
• Healthwise - Postpartum Depression
  Postpartum depression is a serious illness that can occur in the first few months after childbirth. It also can happen after miscarriage and stillbirth.