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Symptoms of Depression in Women Women experience emotional ups and downs as do men, however the difference lies in that these changes are more likely to be triggered by hormonal fluctuations. Changes in hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy and perimenopausal symptoms increase the likelihood of developing depression. Knowing the signs of depression can help you identify it when it happens to someone you care about. The symptoms that are most prevalent among women include: 1. Feelings of despair, sadness or despair Women with depression often feel sad or hopeless. Sometimes, the feelings are “normal” — they go along with the fluctuations and ups and downs of life. When they are persistent or severe, this is a sign that you need professional help. Women who are pregnant or who have recently had a baby might experience the “baby blues.” If the symptoms are severe and last longer than a few weeks, it is recommended to consult a doctor. This is a sign of postpartum depression or major depressive disorder with peripartum onset. Perimenopausal depression is a condition that occurs when hormone levels fluctuate during menopause. Symptoms can include abnormal periods as well as sleep problems mood swings, and hot flashes. These symptoms are more severe than the usual ones that are associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and include breast tenderness, bloating irritability and changes in appetite. Talk therapy, such in-person or virtual counseling, antidepressant medicines and brain stimulation techniques, such as ECT and TMS, can be used as treatments. Even the most severe forms of depression can be improved by the proper treatment. 2. Loss of interest or pleasure in the things you used to love A lack of enthusiasm for activities that you typically enjoy can be a sign of depression. It could be due to a lack of desire to spend time with your friends, a decrease in reading, or a decrease in enthusiasm for activities you used to enjoy. If you notice any changes it's crucial to speak to a doctor right away. Depression can cause people to lose interest in the things they usually enjoy to do, and can make them feel that there's no reason to keep going. Those feelings can lead to feeling tired and this can then be a trigger for depression, making the symptoms worse. Depression can happen at any age, but it's more common for women than men. This is likely due to social, hormonal and biological factors that are unique to females. Women are more likely to seek treatment for depression than men. Men may experience the same symptoms like women, including irritability or a loss of interest in things they usually enjoy doing However, research suggests that they're less likely identify the symptoms and seek assistance for them. 3. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness While everyone is down or sad, feelings of depression are more intense and may last longer. People suffering from depression might also feel resentful or unworthy and are often blamed themselves for their problems. They may also have thoughts of suicide. These symptoms are more common in women than males. Women are more likely than men to seek treatment for depression. This is due to the fact that women are more likely than men to have serious or chronic diseases, which can cause depression to become worse. Some women experience depression during a difficult pregnancy, childbirth, or after a relationship or family breakup. This is called perinatal depression. Women are also more prone to postpartum depression which affects the mother after the birth. They may also suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD), which is a more severe variant of PMS and causes severe mood swings prior to the start of their menstrual cycle. It is crucial to understand that depression is a medical condition that needs to be treated with seriousness. It is not a sign of weakness or something that you should just “get over.” Talk therapy, like cognitive behavioral therapy and medications, can help. 4. It is difficult to concentrate, or taking decisions Depression can make it difficult to take decisions or think clearly. It can also hinder your ability to concentrate or complete simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed. Everyone feels down sometimes but when feelings of despair or sadness take over your life and affect your daily functioning it is recommended that a medical professional be contacted for help. Women are more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression because they have different strategies for coping and could experience more stressful life circumstances and changes, including the stress of a relationship or marriage, a miscarriage or childbirth or financial issues. Women may also experience mood issues that are related to their menstrual cycle like premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD) which can trigger extreme anxiety and other symptoms in the week before a woman gets her menstrual cycle. Women may also experience perimenopausal depressive disorders that are similar to PMDD and are triggered by the transition from menopause. These conditions are caused by hormonal changes and stressors. They can also be linked to a woman's position in the social and family group and also having a history of depression or mental illness. 5. Too much or too little Women with depression may be trouble sleeping. They may feel like they aren't getting enough sleep or wake up frequently in the middle night. They may also have trouble getting to sleep or waking up early. These symptoms can cause fatigue, which can worsen depression. Studies show that women have an increased risk of developing depression than men. This could be due to hormonal changes that occur during puberty and pregnancy, or socioeconomic factors. Depression can be treated with antidepressants, talk therapy (virtual or in person) and other therapies including brain stimulation techniques such as ECT and TMS. If you're experiencing symptoms that are intense and last for a few weeks, it is crucial to get assistance. You can chat online or contact the suicide prevention hotline at 988. It is open 24/7. Click here to find links and local resources. Finding help is the first step towards feeling better. 6. Hot flashes and night sweats During the perimenopausal phase the majority of women suffer from hot flushes and night sweats. However, they can also be experienced at any point after menopausal symptoms. Hot flashes and night sweats are a sign of withdrawal symptoms from estrogen that occurs when the female ovaries stop producing hormones (menopause). They can be caused by a variety of causes, including hormonal changes during menopausal, pregnancy, puberty, or after surgery such as an oophorectomy that is bilateral to prevent cancer. They may also be a side effect of certain medications, such as birth control pills, NSAIDs, and hormone replacement therapy. Depression is twice as prevalent in women as it is in men, and researchers have found that there are a number of contributing factors. These include hormones that regulate reproduction as well as a female-specific response to stress, and cultural pressures that make women more vulnerable to depression. For example, women tend to have more trouble focusing during depression episodes, which may lengthen the duration of their symptoms. In addition, they tend to feel more exhausted than men following an episode of depression. The feeling of fatigue is a sign of depression and is also referred to as anhedonia. It is the loss of enjoyment in things that used to be enjoyable. 7. Weight loss and appetite loss Women are more likely to experience depression than men, even though it can affect anyone. Often, this is due to differences in how women and men express their emotions and respond to stressors. For instance women tend to cry more or feel emotional vulnerability, while men may be more likely to exhibit anger or anger. Women are also more likely than men to seek treatment for depression. Fatigue is a typical symptom of depression. It is due to depression causing the brain to block the production of epinephrine, which is responsible for producing feelings of energy. This can cause decrease in appetite, which can lead to weight loss or gain. Other factors that can cause depression in women include hormonal changes during puberty, menopausal and pregnancy and also past experiences with physical or sexual abuse. Women with depression are also more likely to suffer from eating disorders and many have unhealthy coping methods such as drug or alcohol use. This can make depression difficult to treat. 8. Anhedonia Women tend to experience more depressive symptoms compared to men. This could be due to the fact that women are more likely than men to seek help or to report their symptoms in a different manner. Anhedonia is a feeling of not having pleasure or enjoyment. It is common among people who suffer from depression and can be a symptom of major depression or bipolar disorder. I Am Psychiatry who suffer from anhedonia frequently have difficulty identifying things they enjoy or finding fulfillment in work, hobbies, or relationships. Anhedonia is commonly seen in women during hormonal changes like pregnancy or childbirth, as well as premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD). These types of depression can be treated by counseling or medication. Women are also more susceptible to psychological causes of Depression, such as stress and body image issues. They may also be more likely to think about their negative feelings, which can prolong their depression. This is the reason it's vital to keep your mind off of it during a bout of depression or seek help from a professional.