How to Deal With The Symptoms of Depression in Women

Depression harms a woman's physical health, social life, relationships, job, and sense of self-worth. 

But how can you tell whether a lady is sad and what indicators to look for?

What are the indications and symptoms of depression in women?

Women can combat depression by doing activities such as taking a short stroll around the block or calling a loved one, to name a few examples. 

When seeking to enhance one's mental health, this is a fantastic place to start.

Depression is a medical condition that affects both your mood and your ability to carry out daily tasks. 

Sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness are all common symptoms of depression in women. 

Furthermore, the sickness can impair thinking, remembering, eating, and sleeping, among other things.

If depression is left untreated, it can become worse and last longer. Depending on the conditions, severe cases may result in self-harm or death. 

Treatments for depression, on the other hand, can be quite beneficial in reducing symptoms of depression in women.

Common Types of Depression in Women 

 Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a disorder that happens in the days leading up to the start of your period. 

It is yet unclear how premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects depression.

Variations in your hormone levels may have an impact on the molecules in your body that contribute to your mood, such as serotonin, and these changes may lead to depression. 

Periodic menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms are usually only present for a short period. 

Symptoms of PMS

There are a variety of symptoms, including feeling bloated, migraines, and having your breasts feel sore when you touch them. 

Depression and anxiety are two conditions that might manifest themselves as symptoms of PMS.

Depression is not always a sign of premenstrual syndrome, and it is not always present. 

PMS symptoms such as irritability and anxiety, on the other hand, can become extremely acute and incapacitating in some conditions.

At this point, PMS will probably be classified as a premenstrual dysphoric disorder, rather than premenstrual syndrome (PMDD). According to some specialists, the premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a kind of depression.

Knowing when you generally have your period can help you determine whether or not PMS or PMDD is a contributing factor to your depression-associated symptoms.

It may be beneficial to use a period tracking app such as Glow to keep track of your periods, or simply record the dates on your calendar.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression is a type of mental disease that affects women who are pregnant. 

When you are pregnant or immediately after the birth of your kid, you are more likely to experience this type of depression. 

Postpartum depression is a word that refers to depression that occurs after a woman has given birth to her child.

During the course of pregnancy and after childbirth, the levels of hormones in your body might fluctuate considerably.

The result can be a shift in your mood, as well as the manifestation of anxiety and depression symptoms.

A few of these signs and symptoms include difficulty sleeping, suicidal thoughts, and the feeling of being unable to provide adequate care for yourself or your child. 

You may be experiencing sad feelings during this period due to circumstances in your life like marital issues, a miscarriage, or not feeling supported by friends and family.

Perimenopausal Depression

This type of depression manifests itself during the period of transition from adolescence to the menopausal stage. 

You will see major variations in your hormone levels as you progress through perimenopause and eventually menopause. 

As a result, you may have depression-like signs and symptoms throughout this period.

It is possible to acquire depressive symptoms during perimenopause if you experience certain events in your life, such as marital difficulties, stress at work or home and having previously experienced postpartum depression. 

Past trauma and negativity in your life, according to a study, may also play a part in the development of perimenopausal depression.

General Causes of Depression in Women 

Depression can also result from more general issues that affect women of all ages. 

Although the actual causes of depression are not well understood, some prominent theories from the symptoms of depression often seen include the following:

• When the seasons change, a major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns, formerly known as a seasonal affective disorder, occurs. It is most common during the winter months and occurs as the season's change.
• Serotonin and neurotransmitters, among other chemicals in the brain and hormones, are known to cause abnormalities.
• Thyroid diseases that produce hormone alterations are classified as follows:
• Depression in the family is a possibility.
• Devastating life occurrences, such as the loss of a loved one or the dissolution of an interpersonal connection
• Abuse by friends, family, or intimate partners can take the form of physical, mental, or emotional abuse.
• A long-term disease that prevents you from performing daily duties, working, or attending school

There are a variety of other factors that can contribute to female depression. 

Women might become depressed for a variety of reasons, including biological and psychological factors, as well as major life events such as pregnancy and childbirth.

What Are The Symptoms of Depression in Women

The symptoms of depression in women are as follows;

• A persistently depressed, nervous, or "empty" state of mind
• Inactivity or disinterest in a variety of activities, including sex
• Restlessness, irritability, or excessive sobbing are all possible symptoms.
• Guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, and pessimism are common emotions.
• Sleeping too much or too little, waking up too early in the morning
• Overeating and weight gain, or a decrease in appetite and/or weight loss
• Less energy, tiredness, and a general sense of being "slowed down"
• Suicidal thoughts or efforts, as well as attempts at suicide
• Having difficulties concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Physical symptoms that persist despite therapy, such as headaches, digestive difficulties, and chronic pain, are said to be chronic.

How to Treat The Symptoms of Depression in Women 

Depression is a serious condition, but it is also one that can be treated. The following are examples of depression treatment:

Self Help

Self-help measures like regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and spending time with people you care about can all help to alleviate depression symptoms.

Counseling or Psychotherapy

Counseling or psychotherapy is the process of talking with a mental health expert about your problems.

This is one of the best ways to stop the symptoms of depression in women.

Your counselor assists you in addressing your issues and developing coping mechanisms. 

Sometimes only a little period of therapy is required. Others choose to stay in therapy for a longer period.

Alternative Medicine 

People who suffer from moderate depression or persistent symptoms may find that supplementary therapy might help them feel better. 

Massage, acupuncture, hypnosis, and biofeedback are all possible forms of therapy.

Medication 

Antidepressants, which are prescription medications, can assist to alter the chemistry of the brain, which is responsible for depression. It can take many weeks for antidepressants to begin to work their magic.

Some antidepressants have side effects, which are usually mild and disappear over time.

If they don't, you should speak with your service provider. A different drug may be more effective for you.

Brain Stimulation Therapy

People who suffer from severe depression or depression combined with psychosis may benefit from brain stimulation therapy. Electro-convulsive treatment (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and vagus nerve stimulation are all examples of brain stimulation therapies (VNS).

Conclusion

Women might become depressed for many reasons, including biological and psychological factors, plus major life events such as pregnancy and childbirth.

Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, even though it can affect anyone. 

Besides, medical studies show that women are more likely than males to experience depression. 

There are a variety of other factors that can contribute to female depression.

Depression in women is prevalent, but it is not always detected right away because people are not familiar with the symptoms of depression in women.

I have covered in this article symptoms and causes of depression in women and proffered some treatment options. 

Resources 

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-women.htm

https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/symptoms-of-depression-in-women#causes

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/signs-of-depression-in-women

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-women