Although depression can affect anyone, women are particularly susceptible to this mental health condition, and the impact on their well-being can be profound. Learning how to recognize the signs of depression in women and enrolling in treatment can help you or a loved one find relief.
If you are looking for a depression treatment program for women, My 5 Palms is here for you. Our Ormond Beach treatment center offers a variety of treatment options so you can feel confident that you’ll be heard and that your individual needs will be met. To learn more and discuss the option that might be the most helpful for you, contact us at 1.844.675.1022.
How Depression Affects Women
Although some of the symptoms may be similar, depression often affects men and women differently. Women tend to internalize depression due to the pressure to fulfill multiple roles in their lives. Many women work full-time or part-time while raising children and taking responsibility for household chores like cooking, cleaning, and shopping.
Understandably, this can be overwhelming, and seeing other women appear to do this seemingly effortlessly on social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. Unfortunately, the combination of stress, anxiety, and helplessness often leads to depression in women, who end up feeling like no matter how hard they try, they’ll never measure up.
What Makes Women More Vulnerable to Depression?
There are several key factors that play a role in the likelihood of a woman experiencing depression. They are:
Hormonal Fluctuations
Women’s hormones fluctuate due to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These fluctuations can significantly affect emotional balance, such as in postpartum depression (PPD). This depressive disorder can occur after a woman gives birth due to hormonal changes that trigger deep feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Gender Discrimination
Even in 2024, some women are still paid less than their male counterparts in the same job position. While this is not the case in every workplace, some women are passed over for promotions or raises, especially if they take time off for maternity leave. Continually seeing their male coworkers surpass them can contribute to feelings of hopelessness and depression.
Domestic Violence
Women are more likely to be victims of domestic violence than men. In many cases, they do not have the financial resources or are too afraid to leave their abusive partner, so they remain stuck in a toxic situation. Clearly, this can lead to helplessness and depression.
Signs of Depression in Women
Although the aforementioned factors can make a woman more likely to experience depression, plenty of women develop depressive disorders while seeming to have their lives all together. They may show up at their workplaces and social events with smiles. In the case of high-functioning depression, women can appear to lead successful lives, have a perfect marriage and children, and live in a beautiful house, yet still feel the heavy sadness and loneliness of depression.
To help you recognize whether you or a woman in your life might be struggling with this condition, be aware of the following signs of depression in women:
- Chronic sadness
- Irritability
- Loss of interest in activities
- Isolation
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Rapid weight loss or gain
- Lethargy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Chronic aches and pains, like headaches or stomach aches
Some women with depression may also have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which is why it is crucial to take these symptoms seriously and encourage them to get professional help.
Call My 5 Palms for Women’s Depression Treatment
If you or a woman in your life is showing signs of depression, you need to get the help of a depression treatment program. My 5 Palms offers various therapeutic modalities, including mindfulness and trauma-informed therapies, which are especially beneficial for women. Reach out at 1.844.675.1022 or submit our online contact form today to schedule an intake assessment.
We’re looking forward to helping you.