Depression in Women
Life is full of emotional ups and downs. But when the "down" times are long-lasting or interfere with your ability to function, you may be suffering from a serious, although common, illness -- depression.
Depression is described as a range of feelings from feeling sad, blue, unhappy, miserable, or down in the dumps. Most of us feel this way at one time or another for short periods. Clinical depression or major depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for an extended period. Even clinical depression has a range of symptoms that can be mild, moderate, or severe.
The National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) found that depression is a common experience among women, affecting many more women than men. This shared experience helps us understand that we are not alone in our struggles.
Some of the NIMH findings are:
• One in four women will experience severe depression at some point in her life.
• Depression affects twice as many women as men, regardless of racial and ethnic background or income.
• Depression is the number one cause of disability in women.
• In general, married women experience depression more than single women do, and depression is common among young mothers who stay at home full-time with small children.
• Women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse are at much greater risk of depression.
• At least 90 percent of all cases of eating disorders occur in women, and there is a strong relationship between eating disorders and depression.
• Depression can put women at risk of suicide. While more men than women die from suicide, women attempt suicide about twice as often as men do.
• It's crucial to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave and necessary step towards recovery. Regrettably, only about one-fifth of all women who suffer from depression seek professional help. By reaching out, you are taking control of your mental health and opening the door to a brighter future.
The symptoms of depression and the range of the symptoms are different for every individual. Some women might have only a few symptoms, while others may have several.
Some of the possible depression symptoms are:
• Feeling sad, anxious, or "empty"
• Feeling hopeless
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that you once enjoyed, including sex
• Decreased energy
• Difficulty staying focused, remembering, or making decisions
• Sleeplessness, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping and not wanting to get up
• Lack of desire to eat and weight loss, or eating to "feel better" and weight gain
• Thoughts of hurting yourself
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Being easily annoyed, bothered, or angered
• Constant physical symptoms that do not get better with treatment, such as headaches, upset stomach, and pain that does not go away.
A counselor can help you understand the symptoms with which you are struggling. They are trained professionals who can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your feelings and thoughts. They can also help you develop coping strategies and provide guidance on lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.
A counselor can help you understand the symptoms with which you are struggling. They are trained professionals who can provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to express your feelings and thoughts. They can also help you develop coping strategies and provide guidance on lifestyle changes that can improve your mental health.
Keep in mind that having some symptoms of depression does not mean that you are clinically depressed, but you may still need help in dealing with the symptoms. For example, it is not unusual for those who have lost a loved one to feel sad, helpless, and disinterested in regular activities. Similarly, living with the stress of potential layoffs, heavy workloads, or financial or family problems may cause irritability and "the blues."
The happenings of life can cause these feelings. These feelings can increase in duration and intensity and affect your ability to deal with daily life. However, what seemed to be a temporary mood may have become a clinical illness. That is why you should talk with a counselor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned.
The good news is that for most women, treatment is highly successful. While depressive illnesses can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless, it's important to remember that these negative feelings are part of the depression and will fade as treatment begins to take effect. This reassurance can inspire a sense of hope and optimism in the audience, reminding them that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Help is available, and feeling better is possible.
© 2026 Cheryl Gowin and Dennis Gowin
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