Depression in Women
The Dark Cloud of Depression
When I think about depression, the image that comes to mind is that of the Addams Family house in the cartoon series, where a dark cloud is constantly over their home – even though everywhere else around them is sunny and bright.
When depression creeps up on you, you are aware of the bright day and the colours around you, only they seem to be covered by a grey filter that dims even the brightest light.
When depression creeps up on you, you are aware of the bright day and the colours around you, only they seem to be covered by a grey filter that dims even the brightest light.
Why Is Depression in Women More Common Than Depression in Men?
Before adolescence, depression is rare and occurs at about the same rate in girls and boys. But with the start of puberty, a girl's risk of having depression increases dramatically to twice that of boys.
Some experts believe that the higher chance of depression in women may be related to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. These changes are evident during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after giving birth or having a miscarriage. In addition, the hormone fluctuations that come with each month's menstrual cycle probably contribute to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, (PMDD), a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, anxiety, and mood swings that happens the week before menstruation and interferes with daily life.
Some experts believe that the higher chance of depression in women may be related to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. These changes are evident during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after giving birth or having a miscarriage. In addition, the hormone fluctuations that come with each month's menstrual cycle probably contribute to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, (PMDD), a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, anxiety, and mood swings that happens the week before menstruation and interferes with daily life.
What Raises the Chances of Depression in Women?
According to the National Institutes of Health, things that increase the risk of depression in women include reproductive, genetic, or other biological factors; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological and personality characteristics. In addition, women juggling work with raising kids and women who are single parents suffer more stress that may trigger symptoms of depression. Other things that could increase risk include:
Family history of mood disorders
History of mood disorders in early reproductive years
Loss of a parent before age 10
Loss of a social support system or the threat of such a loss
Ongoing psychological and social stress, such as loss of a job, relationship stress, separation, or divorce
Physical or sexual abuse as a child
Use of certain medications
Women can also get postpartum depression after giving birth. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder.
Family history of mood disorders
History of mood disorders in early reproductive years
Loss of a parent before age 10
Loss of a social support system or the threat of such a loss
Ongoing psychological and social stress, such as loss of a job, relationship stress, separation, or divorce
Physical or sexual abuse as a child
Use of certain medications
Women can also get postpartum depression after giving birth. Some people get seasonal affective disorder in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder.
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