Depression in women + symptoms and treatment

28 November 1404
13 minutes

Depression in women is one of the most common mental disorders that often remain silent and ignored. Women are more susceptible to this disease than men due to various social, psychological and biological reasons. Despite the obvious symptoms of depression, many women ignore it or don't even notice it. In this article, we will have a detailed, scientific and of course human look at the causes, symptoms, consequences and ways to deal with depression in women.

Depression in women

Depression in women may start slowly and silently. Mood swings, feelings of worthlessness, or persistent fatigue can be early symptoms. Sometimes women attribute these feelings to daily fatigue or work pressure and do not take any treatment. This neglect can cause depression to become chronic and seriously affect the quality of life. So, you should find the cause of depression and think about treatment.

Various factors can increase the risk of suffering from depression in women. These factors include developmental, hormonal, genetic and other biological differences. For example, premenstrual syndrome, childbirth, infertility and menopause can increase the rate of depression. In addition, social factors can increase the rate of clinical depression in women. Stress caused by work, family responsibilities, expectations from women, poverty, etc. are among these factors.

Symptoms of depression in women

Symptoms of depression in women include emotional symptoms, physical symptoms and behavioral symptoms.

Emotional symptoms of depression in women

Depression in women is not only associated with physical and behavioral symptoms, but also includes a wide range of emotional symptoms that have a deep impact on the quality of life, relationships and daily functioning of a person. These symptoms are often ignored or confused with the normal stresses of life, when they can be serious signs of depression. Also, there is a lot of disorder in these people's sleeping hours and they should Sleep disorder treatment should be done in them. In the following, we review the most important emotional symptoms of depression in women:

Feeling of guilt: Women, who are usually responsible for taking care of others, experience guilt as a part of depression more than men. This could be due to concerns that their lack of energy or general withdrawal will cause them to neglect their children or spouse.
Feelings of worthlessness: Along with a tendency to be overly critical of themselves, women with depression tend to experience higher levels of self-loathing and judgment.
Despair: Believing their current state of depression will be from here on out without any possibility to relieve their reality.
Mood swings: oscillating between extreme jumps of passion and complete loss of energy.

If feeling tired, unmotivated, or sad for no reason is recurring in your daily life, it may be time to take a more serious look at your mental health. Depression in women is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of the need for attention and care. At Mehrbad Clinic, with the help of an experienced psychology team, a safe space has been provided for discussion, examining the roots and starting the path to recovery. Take a step right now to receive expert advice and start treating depression; The first step can change everything.

Make an appointment with the best depression doctor

Behavioral symptoms of depression in women

Depression in women can show itself in the form of behaviors that may seem normal or transient at first glance, but are actually a sign of a deep psychological problem. These behavioral symptoms sometimes appear so quietly and gradually that it becomes difficult for the person or the people around them to recognize it. In the following, we mention some of the most common behavioral signs of depression in women that need attention and follow-up:

Crying for no particular reason
Loss of appetite
Lack of happiness, especially not enjoying previously favorite hobbies or pastimes

Physical symptoms of depression in women

Depression in women is not limited to psychological and emotional symptoms such as anger, although they should be taught ways to control anger. It can also be accompanied by physical symptoms. As part of the nervous and mental system, the body reacts to mood disorders. These symptoms are sometimes so noticeable that a person first thinks he has a physical illness. Below is a list of the most important physical symptoms of depression in women:

Severe weight loss in case of lack of diet or physical illness
Physical pains such as headache, heartache or breast tenderness
Feeling weak or tired without any clear reason.
Difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently or waking up in the morning feeling sleep deprived

Why is depression more common in women?

Depression is more common in women than in men for various reasons. Biological factors such as hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause play an important role. Also, social pressures such as gender discrimination, family responsibilities, and psychological abuse can increase the risk of infection. Women are usually exposed to multi-layered stress more than men.

Symptoms of severe depression in women

Major depression is often characterized by symptoms of hopelessness, increased irritability, loss of pleasure, difficulty concentrating or sleeping, or thoughts of death or suicide. Technically, major depression is not an official mental health diagnosis. Instead, it points to a more debilitating depression.

Severity of depression is determined by how your symptoms interfere with your daily life. Such as causing you to miss school or work. While you may be able to gauge the severity of your depression by observing your symptoms, only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose your condition.

Confusion
delusions or hallucinations
Severe anxiety or anxiety disorder
Intellectual disability
Physical inactivity
Difficulty falling asleep
Acquiring suicide tools (buying a gun, collecting a lot of pills, etc.)
Change in eating or sleeping habits
Engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors
Arrangement of affairs (setting up a will, handing over property)
A lot of talk about death, dying and violence
Withdrawal from friends or family

The role of hormones in depression in women

Hormones play a key role in depression in women. Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can have a profound effect on mood. A sudden decrease in the level of estrogen or progesterone may cause a decrease in serotonin; A substance that is effective in mood control. Many women experience postpartum depression, which may continue for months if not treated.

Menstrual depression

Some women experience severe symptoms of depression every month before menstruation. This mood disorder, called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), may also have symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as breast tenderness, bloating, or pain. However, the defining characteristic of PMDD is a seemingly uncontrollable feeling of anger or moodiness.

Women with other family members with the disorder are more likely to develop PMDD, suggesting that genes may play a role in who suffers from the condition. PMDD, like other mood disorders, may be caused by a problem with brain chemistry. It seems that hormonal fluctuations caused by ovulation cause this disease.

To be diagnosed with this disorder, a woman must have at least five PMDD symptoms after ovulation each month. She should also have seven to ten days of health in each menstrual cycle. If there are none of these symptoms.

Postpartum depression

Perinatal depression is depression during pregnancy and after. The most common type of depression is postpartum. While many people experience a brief period of depression and emotional vulnerability after giving birth, known as the "baby blues," postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer. Therefore

Emotional health during premenopause requires balancing self-care with work commitments and caring for others. Many women are able to identify and describe sources of tension and stress symptoms. But it may still be hard for you. Recognizing a problem is the first step to finding ways to deal with it. Although many stressors cannot be changed. Coping skills can enable women to face life's challenges. and create a renewed sense of self-confidence, balance and harmony.

Severe depression is a condition associated with a chemical imbalance in the brain. And the change of hormones during premenopause may be associated with this imbalance. Symptoms such as long-term fatigue, low energy, loss of interest in normal activities, sadness, irritability, sleep disorders, restlessness, weight changes and decreased libido are noted.

Effective treatments for depression in women

The treatment of depression in women may be a combination of psychotherapy, drug therapy, exercise and lifestyle modification. Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, is very effective. Antidepressants are also necessary in some cases. The most important point in the treatment of depression in women is early identification and rapid treatment.

Treatment of severe depression in women

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options for major depression. Your doctor can help you choose the best one for you based on your symptoms. Other factors considered when recommending a treatment plan include your level of functioning and whether you pose a risk to yourself or others.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can often help reduce the symptoms of depressive disorder. Different types of psychotherapy are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This approach to treatment involves helping people identify and change underlying negative thoughts that contribute to feelings of depression.
Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This treatment focuses on helping people change interpersonal relationships and social interactions that affect their mental health.
Psychodynamic therapy: This therapy involves helping people become more aware of feelings and emotions to gain insight rather than helping people feel less depressed.

medicine

Medicines are often prescribed to treat severe depression. The most common type of medication used is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This includes antidepressants such as Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), and Paxil (paroxetine).

Other drugs used to treat depression include:

norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Treatment with brain stimulation

If someone has severe depression that has not responded well to first-line treatments such as antidepressants or psychotherapy, you may try brain stimulation treatments. Examples of these treatments used for depression include:

Electric convulsive therapy (ECT)
cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Treatment of depression with hospitalization

In some cases, inpatient treatment may be recommended for severe depression. Being hospitalized for depression doesn't mean you're weak. It simply means that your treatment may be more effective in a more controlled environment. Receiving depression treatment as an inpatient also allows doctors to keep you safe as they closely monitor how well you respond to the treatment protocol. This allows them to make the necessary changes if your depression doesn't respond or worsens at first.

The positive effect of exercise on depression in women

Regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression. Exercise increases endorphins, which improve mood. Even 30 minutes of daily walking can have a significant positive effect. Exercise also helps to improve sleep, reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence.

The effect of proper nutrition on women's depression

A proper diet plays an important role in controlling depression in women. Eating foods rich in omega-3, vitamin D, and B vitamins can help improve mood. Avoiding artificial sugars and processed foods is also recommended. Drinking enough water and reducing caffeine consumption is also useful.

What effect does the family have on women's depression?

Family can play an important role in diagnosing and treating depression in women. Emotional support, non-judgmental listening and mutual understanding can reduce feelings of loneliness and increase motivation for treatment. Sometimes it is enough for someone in the family to pay attention to the symptoms and take the first step for help.

Can the work environment affect depression in women?

Depression in women can severely reduce job performance. Decreased concentration, persistent fatigue, and apathy may lead to decreased productivity and even job loss. Work environments should be sensitive to women's mental health and provide the necessary conditions to maintain their mental balance.

How to deal with depressed women?

The most important action in dealing with depression in women is acceptance and understanding. Women should not be blamed or belittled for their feelings. Using phrases like "be strong" or "everyone is like that" can be hurtful. Listening, empathizing and leading to professional treatment is the best approach.

Prevention of depression in women

Prevention of depression in women requires awareness, education and a healthy lifestyle. Creating work-life balance, healthy communication, self-care, and pursuing hobbies are important prevention factors. Teaching skills to deal with stress and accept emotions is also very effective.

Conclusion

Depression in women can cause a decrease in the quality of life, problems in personal and social relationships, a decrease in job performance and an increase in the risk of physical diseases. In addition, depression in women can have negative effects on physical health and cause physical complications such as chronic fatigue, sleep problems, body pain, and digestive problems.