Signs of Depression

in Women

 

What are the common signs of depression in women?  It is, in fact, true to say that your sex is a determining factor in whether or not you are more at risk of developing depression.  It is astonishing to note that women are twice as likely as men to suffer from the varying types of depression.  These figures may be somewhat skewed since the signs of depression in women are more openly recognized by that sex.  In many cases men feel uncomfortable about seeking help when they present with signs of depression.  The result is that signs of depression in women are usually acted upon and therefore registered in the statistics while men often ignore the signs and thus do not register in the statistics.

 

What are the Reasons for the Signs of Depression in Women?

 

In clinical terms one of the reasons why the signs of depression in women may be twice as high as in men is partly due to the age old “hormonal issues” women have.  When investigating the signs of depression in women you have to realize that women experience pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) to varying degrees.  Therefore as a consequence those women who suffer the more severe mood swings, painful periods, bloating and water retention are at a higher risk of becoming depressed.  Fortunately for men, they do not suffer from these issues.

 

Signs of Depression in Women after Giving Birth

 

After a pregnancy term and the birth of her baby, a woman’s hormones are often raging out of control. These types of signs of depression are often described as “having the baby blues” and this is normal.  However in some cases more worrying signs of depression ensue and some women descend into a deep and increasingly dark mood from which they cannot escape.

 

These signs of depression are more correctly referred to as post-partum depression and they can occur anytime from immediately after giving birth to as much as six months into motherhood.  Women experiencing and having to live with post-partum depression may not want to hold or feed her child.  In these particular signs of depression it is common for the mother to feel as though she has not bonded with her baby and may have feelings of rejection.  When these signs of depression become severe and debilitating they should seek immediate medical help.  .

 

Signs of Depression in Young Mothers

 

Young mothers often stay at home with small children while they are growing up and often have feelings of isolation and loneliness.  They tend to experience feelings of low self esteem and worthlessness.  This loss of socializing with their former work colleagues and peers and their perceived belief that they have lost social standing can also contribute to increase depressive episodes.  .

 

Ongoing hormonal imbalances, gradual loss of estrogen and many other assorted health issues tend to increase the risk of depression in women.  Other documented signs of depression in women include their increased sense of guilt, especially during the child rearing years of family upbringing.

 

There have been recorded signs of depression in women who are single mothers attempting to balance motherhood and work often under extremely stressful conditions. The result is that they often feel inadequate in both roles.

In conclusion it is probably true to say that signs of depression in women are far more common than in men.  Although the signs of depression in women are there for all to see, the good news is that there is help available.  When you experience the signs of depression in women you should speak to your doctor in order to get relief from your symptoms.