Depression and Women

“It is important to note that not all midlife women experience mood problems, but some women are more vulnerable than others to developing either…”.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

Terminology

Can depression mean different things to different people?

I think the term depression can be like the terms diet, love and menopause and mean different things, to different people, at different times, in different places.

When I use the term depression what I mean may be different to what someone else means or what is meant in medicaltalk.

It can therefore be important when the term depression is used, to be clear about what is meant, so we may work out whether we are on the same page meaning the same thing, or not.

Definition

What is depression?

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

“Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition”.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 NIMH 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”.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?

On page one in Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms the NAMS elaborate on:

“It is important to note that not all midlife women experience mood problems, but some women are more vulnerable than others to developing either depressive symptoms or an episode of clinical depression during the menopause transition, especially those women who have had depression previously”.8

In Mental Health & Emotions the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:

“Whether menopause causes depression continues to be debated, but there are many things you can do to help with both depression and anxiety if you experience these at the same time as menopause”.9

Menopausal Hormone Therapy

May menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) be beneficial in improving mood?

One of the points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, is:

Depression and Women

  • “MHT may be beneficial in improving mood in early postmenopausal women with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms. MHT may also be beneficial for perimenopausal women with major depression but antidepressant therapy remains first-line treatment in this setting”.10

Treatment

How can depression be treated?

In Depression: Treatment and Therapies the NIMH elaborate on:

“Depression, even the most severe cases, can be treated. The earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. Depression is usually treated with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. If these treatments do not reduce symptoms, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and other brain stimulation therapies may be options to explore”.11

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” for treatment. It may take some trial and error to find the treatment that works best for you”.12

Online Treatment Programs

Are online depression treatment programs available?

DotC (Depending on the Country) online depression treatment programs may be available. Your health care provider or local community health center may know of your country’s recommended online depression treatment programs.

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 Get Immediate Help the (United States) MentalHealth.gov note:

“People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.

Talk to your primary care doctor or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services”.13

In Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe the NAMS also note:

“Many primary care providers are not specifically trained in the management of mental health disorders, including clinical depression. Consultation with a mental health professional may be appropriate, and an expert opinion can be reassuring”.14

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”.15

In Who Can Assist: What Works? the (Australian) Beyondblue note:

“Everyone’s different. Treatment needs to be tailored to your condition, circumstances, needs and preferences. Most people with anxiety or depression benefit from one or a combination of the following:

  • Lifestyle changes and social support
  • Psychological or ‘talking’ therapies
  • Medical therapies”.16

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”.17

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics 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.

  1. Alcohol and Mental Health: Alcohol Depression = A Vicious Cycle
  2. Antidepressants
  3. Anxiety and Depression Association of America
  4. Anxietyuk.org.uk
  5. Beyondblue.org.au
  6. Clinical Depression
  7. Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
  8. Depression
  9. Depression
  10. Depression
  11. Depression
  12. Depression
  13. Depression
  14. Depression
  15. Depression Basics
  16. Depression Common During Perimenopause But Not Regularly Screened
  17. Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know Depression In Women
  18. Depression In Women: Understanding the Gender Gap
  19. Depression Medicines
  20. Depression Screening
  21. Depression [+ What Is Depression? [Video]
  22. Depression, Anxiety & Illness
  23. Depression: FDA-Approved Medications May Help [Food and Drug Administration, United States]
  24. Depression: Overview [Video Interview Stories]
  25. Depressioncenter.org: Depression Toolkit
  26. Diet and Mental Health
  27. Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
  28. Exercise for Depression
  29. Factors Affecting Women
  30. Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
  31. Finding A Mental Health Professional
  32. Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
  33. Get Help Now [Australia]
  34. Getting Help [United Kingdom]
  35. Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
  36. Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
  37. Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
  38. Home Remedies: Can Fish Oil Supplements Treat Depression?
  39. Home Remedies: Cope With Stress So It Doesn’t Control You
  40. How To Look After Your Mental Health
  41. How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
  42. Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
  43. Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
  44. Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
  45. Low Mood, Sadness and Depression [+ Video: Low Mood and Depression]
  46. Maintaining Your Mental Health During Challenging Times [+ Video Courtesy: Robert Bright, M.D./Psychiatry/Mayo Clinic]
  47. May Is Mental Health Month [United States] May Is Mental Health Month
  48. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
  49. Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
  50. Menopause and Depression
  51. Menopause: Emotions and the Menopause: Mood Swings, Anxiety and Depression [Video Interview Stories]
  52. Menopause: Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause
  53. Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
  54. Mental Health
  55. Mentalhealth.org.uk
  56. Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
  57. Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
  58. Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
  59. Mindfulness
  60. Mood Changes and Depression
  61. Moodgym.com.au
  62. Mycompass.org.au
  63. Nami.org [NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness, United States]]
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  72. National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
  73. Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
  74. Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
  75. R U OK? Day 10 September [Australia]
  76. Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
  77. SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Treatment [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
  78. Self-Care and Kindness
  79. Spotlight on Women’s Health – 6 Questions Answered: Seasonal Affective Disorder
  80. Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
  81. Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
  82. Timetochange.org
  83. Treatments for Anxiety
  84. Treatments for Depression
  85. Try These 6 Steps for Better Sleep
  86. Tuesday Tips: 4 Low-Cost Ways To Manage Depression [+ Video]
  87. Types of Talking Therapies
  88. Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
  89. Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
  90. Video Series-2019 – Mood Changes During Perimenopause
  91. Video Series-2019 – What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
  92. Video Series-2020 – How To Talk To Your Primary Care Clinician About Your Overall Health
  93. Video Series-2020 – What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
  94. Video Series-2021 – What Women Need To Know About Hormone Therapies
  95. What Is Depression?
  96. What Stress Does To the Body and How To Beat It [+ Video: Consequences of Stress and How To Manage It]
  97. May Is Mental Health Month [United States] May Is Mental Health Month
  98. Women and Depression
  99. Women: Women Share Their Advice for Staying Well [+ Video]
  100. Women’s Wellness: Understanding the Depression Gender Gap

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Depression: Key Facts. 30 January 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2021
  2. Depression: Overview. 30 January 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2021
  3. Depression: Key Facts. 30 January 2020. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 28 April 2021
  4. Women. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women Accessed: 28 April 2021
  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: 28 April 2021
  6. Depression. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 28 April 2021
  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: 28 April 2021
  8. Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms. 2018: 1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/menonote-menopause-and-depression.pdf Accessed: 28 April 2021
  9. Mental Health & Emotions. Last Updated: 25 March 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/Accessed: 28 April 2021
  10. De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 28 April 2021
  11. Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Revised: February 2018. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 28 April 2021
  12. Depression: Treatment and Therapies. Last Revised: February 2018. National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml#part_145399 Accessed: 28 April 2021
  13. Get Immediate Help. Last Updated: 17 March 2020. MentalHealth.gov https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help Accessed: 28 April 2021
  14. Depression & Menopause: If Depression Is Severe. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/mental-health-at-menopause/depression-menopause Accessed: 28 April 2021
  15. 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: 28 April 2021
  16. Who Can Assist: What Works? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/who-can-assist Accessed: 28 April 2021
  17. 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: 28 April 2021

Topic Last Updated: 28 April 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 28 April 2021
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