Signs and Symptoms of Depression in Females
Women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as men. Many factors can increase the risk, including a history of addiction, physical illness, and genetics.
The hormonal changes of women can increase their vulnerability to depression, for example premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Understanding the signs and symptoms of female depression can help you determine if someone you love needs professional assistance.
1. It is difficult to concentrate
Women are more likely to experience prominent symptoms of depression, like sadness, a lack of interest in activities that are typically enjoyable and feelings of utter lack of value. They are more likely than men to replay negative thoughts when they are depressed, which can prolong the symptoms and alter their mood. While rehashing thoughts is an expected response to depression, it has been shown that engaging in other activities, such as exercising or talking with family and friends or just taking a walk can lessen the duration of the symptoms and make you feel better.
Women can be affected by depression as a result of stressors in their lives or pressures from society. In balancing work and family life, stressing about finances, the stigma associated with mental illness and expectations of societal beauty standards can cause an ongoing feeling of inadequacy, and depression. Social support and understanding of the complexities of depression in women can aid in early diagnosis and treatment.
If you're a woman suffering from any of these symptoms, it is essential to visit your GP as soon as possible. Depression is not a sign of weakness. It can be effectively treated by medication, therapy in person or on the internet and lifestyle modifications. Even if symptoms are extreme, most people are able to recover with the proper support.
2. Feeling worthless or guilty
Women are more likely than men to experience guilt or feelings of inadequacy as part of their depression. This could be due to a number of factors, such as negative core beliefs, situationsal triggers, and thoughts of regret.
While feeling sad from time moment is a normal response to life events, when feelings sadness become a constant or pervasive presence in a person's life, and interferes with relationships and daily activities, it's a indicator that something could be not right.
These emotions are also more common among women due to the unique pressures and difficulties they face, such as caring for others (children or spouses, parents, etc.) and balancing work and home responsibilities. Women are more susceptible to hormonal changes brought on by menstrual cycle, pregnancy and the aging process.
Feelings of guilt and feeling worthless are also linked to a lack of enjoyment of activities and diminished positive emotions, referred to as anhedonia. The studies on this topic aren't extensive and it's not clear if these symptoms are part of a low mood, or if they're distinct.
If a woman you know is suffering from these symptoms, it's important to gently remind her that they are not her fault and that help is at hand. You can support her treatment by helping with appointments and encouraging research. This will help ensure she receives the care she needs to recover. It is helpful to learn about the symptoms of depression, and the treatments that work. Cognitive-behavioral therapy that is focused on changing negative thoughts and behaviors and interpersonal therapy that addresses relationship issues that can be contributing factors to depression in women are both highly effective.
3. Feeling agitated or slowing down
Depression in women is characterized by feelings of despair and worthlessness as well as a lack of motivation. Many women who suffer with depression may feel their life is no longer significant or worthwhile and may be suicidal. They may also experience difficulties sleeping and eating, as well as a negative change in their perception of self-worth. Women with depression may feel shame and guilt in the event that they feel their depression symptoms affect those they care about.
Women who are struggling with depression will often withdraw from social activities they once enjoyed and may also feel anhedonic or lose pleasure in things that they used to find enjoyable. These behavioral changes are important indicators of depression and should be considered as seriously as any other symptoms.
Women are more likely to suffer certain kinds of depression than men. This is because of hormonal fluctuations and to the different reactions to stress and social expectations. Perinatal depression, as an example is a type of depression that can manifest soon after or shortly after birth and can be more severe than "baby blues" that many new mothers experience. Perimenopausal depression is another form of depression that affects a few women as they transition into menopausal.
Because depression is so incredibly widespread, it's vital for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms to be aware of so that they can seek treatment. A therapist can aid women to understand the various types depression and determine which type of therapy is most suitable for them. This could be cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy or a combination of. Support networks can play a crucial role in promoting awareness of mental health and helping those struggling.
4. The loss of interest in the world
Everyone experiences periods of boredom, or even disinterest however, when these feelings continue to linger and interfere with a woman's daily life, they may be a sign that depression is the main cause. If the symptoms of depression are causing her to lose interest in anything and anything, it is important that she talk to her health care professional.
Women are more prone to hormonal and emotional factors that can lead depression. Particularly, the hormonal changes that take place during a woman's menstrual cycle can cause the familiar feelings of sadness and irritability that are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). In certain instances, PMS can become so that it warrants a premenstrual dysphoric disorder diagnosis. This is treated in the same way as any other form of depression.
Additionally, women are more likely to internalize and ruminate on negative feelings, which can prolong the duration of their depression-related episodes. A common symptom of depression is a loss of enjoyment in activities that were previously enjoyable that is referred to as apathy and is one of the first symptoms of depression.
Women are more likely to suffer from depression during menopausal or perimenopausal periods due to the rapid fluctuations in reproductive hormones. Other possible causes of depression in women include relationships or marriage problems in balancing family and career commitments; financial difficulties and chronic illness or disability or the loss of a loved one and discrimination in the workplace, as well as various other life events that cause stress.
It doesn't matter what the cause is, if you notice that a woman is experiencing a persistent and severe lack of interest in her life, it may be the right time to talk to an expert in mental health or her doctor. The earlier she seeks help, the faster her mood will improve and she can find her passion back for the things she used to enjoy.
5. Losing weight
Women are twice as vulnerable to depression as men. This is due to a number of factors. For instance, it's been reported that females are more likely to ruminate during their down periods which can extend and increase the duration of their depression. depression and physical symptoms are also more emotional, which may cause them to cry or talk to friends about their depression and rehash negative feelings -and both of these can make it difficult for them to find their way back "up."
Some people have a temporary depression during their menstrual cycles due to the effect of fluctuating hormones. This is known as premenstrual disorder or PMS. But if this condition persists for longer than two weeks, it could be a sign of depression. Other symptoms of depression common for women include mood swings, feeling hopeless and a lack of enthusiasm in the activities they used to enjoy and physical aches and pains.
Depression can be caused by other events, such as pregnancy, birth or relationships problems. In some instances it's caused by an imbalance of the chemical system in the brain and can be treated with antidepressants or psychotherapy. Encourage a family member or friend to seek out help for mental health from a GP. Don't hesitate in calling triple zero if they're at risk of harm. Visit Beyond Blue or Lifeline to find out more about depression and how to get assistance.