Depression and Women

“Not every woman who is depressed experiences every
symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms.
Others have many”.1

Umbrella
What may the Depression and Women Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • Black Dog
  • Clinical Depression
  • Depression
  • Depression the Serious Clinical Illness
  • Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Dysthymia
  • Dysthymic Disorder
  • Major Depression
  • Major Depressive Disorder/Episode/Illness
  • Minor Depression
  • Nervous Breakdown
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
  • Unipolar Depression

Definition

What is depression?

DotS the definition of depression may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental disorder. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

Depression is different from regular mood changes and feelings about everyday life. It can affect all aspects of life, including relationships with family, friends and community. It can result from or lead to problems at school and at work.

Depression can happen to anyone. People who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other stressful events are more likely to develop depression”.2

Women

In women, how common is depression?

In Depression: Key Facts the WHO note:

  • “More women are affected by depression than men”.3

In Women the (Australian) Beyondblue elaborate on:

“While good mental health is essential to the overall health of both men and women, women experience some mental health conditions at higher rates than men.

In fact, around 1 in 6 women in Australia will experience depression and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety during their lifetime. Women also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders at higher rates than men”.4

Symptoms

In women, what can be symptoms of depression?

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Depression Affects Each Women Differently the (United States) National Institute of Mental Health explain:

“Not every woman who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some women experience only a few symptoms. Others have many. The severity and frequency of symptoms, and how long they last, will vary depending on the individual and the severity of the illness”.5

Anxiety

Is there an association between anxiety and depression?

In Depression: Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Not the Same the Anxiety and Depression Association of America elaborate on:

“Depression and anxiety disorders are different, but people with depression often experience symptoms similar to those of an anxiety disorder, such as nervousness, irritability, and problems sleeping and concentrating. But each disorder has its own causes and its own emotional and behavioral symptoms.

Many people who develop depression have a history of an anxiety disorder earlier in life. There is no evidence one disorder causes the other, but there is clear evidence that many people suffer from both disorders”.6

Perimenopause

Is there an association between perimenopause and depression?

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Perimenopausal Depression the NIMH note:


Depression and Women
“Perimenopause (the transition into menopause) is a normal phase in a woman’s life that can sometimes be challenging. If you are going through perimenopause, you might be experiencing abnormal periods, problems sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes. Although these symptoms are common, feeling depressed is not. If you are struggling with irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment at the time of the menopause transition, you may be experiencing perimenopausal depression”.7

Menopause

Is there an association between menopause and depression?

In Symptoms of Menopause: Mood & Emotional Health the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“Research suggests that women are more likely to feel depressed during the menopause transition.

Women who have a history of depression or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may be more likely to develop depression during this time”.8

Treatment

How can depression be treated?

In Depression: How Is Depression Treated? the NIMH elaborate on:


Depression and Women
“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two”.9

In Depression: Treatment and Therapies the NIMH also include:

“Quick Tip: No two people are affected the same way by depression, and there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment. Finding the treatment that works best for you may take trial and error”.10

Online Resources, Programs, Apps and e-Therapies

Are depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies available?

Depending on your Country, depression online resources, programs,  Apps and e-therapies may be available.

Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your Country’s recommended depression online resources, programs, Apps and e-therapies, similar to the (Australian) Department of Health’s Head To Health Search for Digital Mental Health Resources including thiswayup.org.au

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have depression?

If you think you have depression, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this urgently.

In Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better the NIMH explain:

“If you think you may have depression, start by making an appointment to see your health care provider. This could be your primary doctor or a health provider who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (for example, a psychologist or psychiatrist). Certain medications, and some medical conditions, such as viruses or a thyroid disorder, can cause the same symptoms as depression. A health care provider can rule out these possibilities by doing a physical exam, interview, and lab tests. Your health care provider will examine you and talk to you about treatment options and next steps”.11

In Find A Mental Health Professional: Finding the Right professional for You the (Australian) Beyondblue note:

“It’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. While some people find a practitioner and treatment that works for them first time, for others it can take a few tries. The main thing is to persevere – try not to let one bad experience put you off getting support”.12

In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the JH remind us:

“Remember:

  • Depression is common
  • It is not a sign of weakness
  • It is nothing to be ashamed about
  • It can be treated”.13

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Depression and Women?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Depression and Women?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

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  3. Antidepressants
  4. Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  5. Anxietyuk.org.uk
  6. BMS TV: Menopause Explained
  7. Beyondblue.org.au
  8. Boost Your Mood With Mind-Nourishing Food
  9. Can Menopause Cause Depression?
  10. Caring for Your Mental Health
  11. Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
  12. Consumer Health: What Do You Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder?
  13. Consumer Health: What Is Mental Health?
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  25. Depressioncenter.org: Depression Toolkit
  26. Diet and Mental Health
  27. Dr. Louise Newson Breaks Down The Menopause & Lisa Snowdon Shares Her Experience | This Morning
  28. Emotional Wellness In Menopause
  29. Exercise for Depression
  30. Facebook Live Event: The Menopause Transition and Depression
  31. Factors Affecting Women
  32. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  33. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  34. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  35. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  36. FindTreatment.gov [United States]
  37. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  38. Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
  39. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  40. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  41. Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
  42. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  43. How Mindfulness Meditation Improves Mental Health
  44. How Right Now
  45. How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
  46. How To Improve Mental Health
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  49. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
  50. Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
  51. Low Mood, Sadness and Depression [+ Audio: Low Mood and Depression]
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  53. Mayo Clinic Q and A: 5 Ways To Get Better Sleep
  54. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Can Ashwagandha Supplements Help With Stress and Anxiety Relief?
  55. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  56. Menopause Mindfulness: Embracing the Change of My Midlife
  57. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Mindfulness & Wellbeing During the Menopause Transition
  58. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
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  65. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  66. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
  67. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  68. Mood and the Menopause
  69. Moodgym.com.au
  70. Mycompass.org.au
  71. Nami.org [National Alliance on Mental Illness, United States]
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  74. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  76. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  77. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
  78. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
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  80. Samhsa.gov [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
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  92. Treatments for Depression
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  94. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  95. Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
  96. Video Series-2023: Racial and Ethnic Differences in the Menopause Experience
  97. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
  98. What Doctors Wish Patients Knew About Menopause
  99. Why Depression In Women Is So Misunderstood

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Depression Affects Each Women Differently. Revised 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub3 Accessed: 25 August 2023
  2. Depression: Overview. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 25 August 2023
  3. Depression: Key Facts. 31 March 2023. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 25 August 2023
  4. Women. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women Accessed: 25 August 2023
  5. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Depression Affects Each Women Differently. Revised 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub3 Accessed: 25 August 2023
  6. Depression. This Page was Updated: 18 January 2023. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 25 August 2023
  7. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 3. Certain Types of Depression Are Unique To Women: Perimenopausal Depression. Revised 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml Accessed: 25 August 2023
  8. Symptoms of Menopause: Mood and Emotional Health. Last Updated: 08 June 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/menopause-symptoms#mood-and-emotional-healthAccessed: 25 August 2023
  9. Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 25 August 2023
  10. Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Reviewed: April 2023. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 25 August 2023
  11. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know – 1. Depression Is A Real Medical Condition: Most People With Depression Need Treatment To Feel Better. Revised 2020. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression-in-women/index.shtml#pub1 Accessed: 25 August 2023
  12. Find A Mental Health Professional: Finding the Right professional for You. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-mental-health-professional Accessed: 25 August 2023
  13. Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help – Remember. Last Updated: 07 December 2020 | Last Reviewed: 10 March 2014. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/mental-emotional-health/depression Accessed: 25 August 2023
Topic Last Updated: 25 August 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 25 August 2023

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