“It is important to note that not all midlife women
experience mood problems, but some women
are more vulnerable than others to developing…”.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:
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:
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:
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:
Menopause
Is there an association between menopause and depression?
On page one in Menopause and Depression: Depressive and Menopause Symptoms the NAMS elaborate on:
In Mental Health & Emotions the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) elaborate on:
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:
- “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:
In Depression: Treatment and Therapies the NIMH also include:
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:
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 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”.14
In Who Can Assist: What Works? the (Australian) Beyondblue note:
- Lifestyle changes and social support
- Psychological or ‘talking’ therapies
- Medical therapies”.15
In Depression: How Health Professionals Can Help the JH remind us:
- Depression is common
- It is not a sign of weakness
- It is nothing to be ashamed about
- It can be treated”.16
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Depression and Women?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
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.- Alcohol and Mental Health: Alcohol Depression = A Vicious Cycle
- Antidepressants
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America
- Anxietyuk.org.uk
- Beyondblue.org.au
- Caring for Your Mental Health
- Consumer Health: It’s Bad To Mix Antidepressants and Alcohol
- Consumer Health: What Do You Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder?
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression
- Depression Basics
- Depression Common During Perimenopause But Not Regularly Screened
- Depression In Women: 5 Things You Should Know
- Depression In Women: Understanding the Gender Gap
- Depression Medicines
- Depression Screening
- Depression [+ What Is Depression? [Video]
- Depression, Anxiety & Illness
- Depressioncenter.org: Depression Toolkit
- Diet and Mental Health
- Does Caffeine Make Depression Worse?
- Exercise for Depression
- Facebook Live Event: The Menopause Transition and Depression
- Factors Affecting Women
- Find Help: Finding Help Is the Key To Taking Charge and Moving Forward
- Finding A Mental Health Professional
- Finding the Right Mental Health Professional for You
- Getting Help [United Kingdom]
- Headstogether.org.uk [Heads Together, United Kingdom]
- Headtohealth.gov.au: Head To Health [Australia]
- Help for Mental Illnesses [United States]
- Home Remedies: Can Fish Oil Supplements Treat Depression?
- How To Choose the Best Mental Health App for You
- How To Improve Mental Health
- How To Look After Your Mental Health
- How To Look After Your Mental Health Using Exercise
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Intersex (LGBTI), and Bodily, Gender and Sexuality Diverse People
- Let’s Talk About Menopause | Aware Webinar
- Live and Thrive: Living and Thriving With Anxiety or Depression Means Conquering Your Symptoms
- Low Mood, Sadness and Depression [+ Video: Low Mood and Depression]
- Maintaining Your Mental Health During Challenging Times [+ Video]
- Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause What Are the Symptoms?
- Menopause and Depression
- Menopause and Sleep
- Menopause: Mental Health & Emotions – Depression, Anxiety & Menopause
- Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
- Mental Health
- Mentalhealth.org.uk
- Mentalhealthatwork.org.uk [Mental Health At Work, United Kingdom]
- Mhanational.org [Mental Health America]
- Mind.org.uk [Mind, United Kingdom]
- Mindfulness
- Mood and the Menopause
- Moodgym.com.au
- Mycompass.org.au
- Nami.org [National Alliance on Mental Illness, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About the Science Behind Depression and Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Anxiety At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- Nervous Breakdown: What Does It Mean?
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B6
- Reducing Stress: Potential Stress Triggers
- SAMHSA.org: Find Help & Treatment [Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, United States]
- Self-Care and Kindness
- Support From A Health Professional
- Take Action Before the Blues Take Over
- Taking Care of Your Mental Health
- Talk With Your Doctor About Depression
- The Menopause: Menopause and Your Mental Wellbeing [+ Video: Menopause Only Affects You Physically!]
- Treatments for Anxiety
- Treatments for Depression
- Try These 6 Steps for Better Sleep
- Tuesday Tips: 4 Low-Cost Ways To Manage Depression [+ Video]
- Types of Talking Therapies
- Types of Therapist: How To Find & Choose A Therapist – What Is the Difference Between A Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Counsellor?
- Understand the Facts: Understanding the Facts of Anxiety Disorders and Depression Is the First Step
- Video Series-2019: Mood Changes During Perimenopause
- Video Series-2019: What You Need To Know About Mood During the Menopause Transition
- Video Series-2020: What You Need To Know About Cognition and Mood Changes
- Video Series-2021: How Menopause Symptoms Can Affect Your Quality of Life
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: The Menopause Blues
- What Is Depression?
- Women and Depression
- Women: Women Share Their Advice for Staying Well [+ Video]
- Women’s Wellness: Understanding the Depression Gender Gap
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- 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: 23 May 2022
- Depression: Overview. 13 September 2021. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Depression: Key Facts. 13 September 2021. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Women. Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/who-does-it-affect/women Accessed: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- Depression. This Page was Updated: 18 November 2021. Anxiety and Depression Association of America https://www.adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/depression Accessed: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- Mental Health & Emotions. Last Updated: 28 June 2021 | Last Reviewed: 17 December 2017. Jean Hailes https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/mental-health-emotions/Accessed: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- Get Immediate Help. Last Updated: 07 April 2022. MentalHealth.gov https://www.mentalhealth.gov/get-help/immediate-help Accessed: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022
- Who Can Assist: What Works? Beyondblue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/who-can-assist Accessed: 23 May 2022
- 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: 23 May 2022