Depression: What to Know About Depression in Women

Depression can and does affect people of any gender. However, there are some ways that it impacts women differently. Women's issues are often overlooked, and this can certainly extend to mental health. What should you know about depression in women? In this blog post, we will talk about how gender disparities play a role in the way that women experience depression. You might be surprised to find what a deep connection there really is.

Some types of depression predominantly affect women

There are different types of depression. Most often, you'll hear about Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Although MDD is both the most prevalent depressive disorder and one of the most common mental health conditions overall, it's not the only possible type of depression someone can be diagnosed with. There are certain types of depression that predominantly affect women and those assigned female at birth. These include postpartum depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression can affect people of any gender. It's a type of depression that occurs following childbirth. Symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) include a lack of interest in or not feeling connected to your baby, feeling worthless, overwhelmed, sad, hopeless, or guilty, feeling as though you are a "bad" parent, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, excessive crying, and more. If someone doesn't know that what they're facing is PPD, they may feel scared and ashamed. This is why it is so vital to raise awareness for issues like postpartum depression. One out of every nine new mothers experiences postpartum depression according to the official Office on Women's Health website, so if you have it or have had it, you certainly aren't alone.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is not just PMS. Symptoms of PMDD begin 1-2 weeks before the start of one's menstrual period and can be debilitating. A recent study on 599 people with PMDD found that 34% of people who live with PMDD have made a suicide attempt during an episode, and 72% experience active lifetime suicidal ideation. Mood swings, insomnia, suicidal ideation, irritability, changes in appetite or food cravings, trouble focusing or concentrating, and other symptoms can make a person feel as though they aren't themselves for that 1-2 weeks of their life each month. People lose jobs and interpersonal relationships due to PMDD, and yet, the condition is chronically under-researched.

Health issues that can cause depression in women are often overlooked

One risk factor for depression is the existence of another illness, including physical health conditions. This includes health issues that either only affect or predominantly affect women and people assigned female at birth. Let's take polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that causes enlarged ovaries with cysts on the outer edges, as an example. PCOS is highly correlated with other conditions, including depression and anxiety, but like PMDD, it is under-researched, misunderstood, and often misdiagnosed.

Another example is endometriosis, a debilitating health condition that often takes far too long to diagnose. Endometriosis, a condition where tissue that typically lines the uterus grows outside the uterus, can be excruciating. Some people with endometriosis pass out from the pain, only to be told that it's "just cramps" or that they are "overreacting," when in reality, many people with the condition need surgery.

Similarly, women are more likely to have thyroid problems. Thyroid problems can lead to depression, and if someone's not listened to when they walk into the doctor's office - which is an experience unfortunately far more common for women - depression symptoms, as well as their physical symptoms, may go on for longer than they need to.

Although people should not have to self-advocate to the extent that they often do, it is often critical for women's health care. You know yourself, and you know if something is off. Never hesitate to speak up, push back, or get a second opinion, as it could save your life.

Gender-based discrimination and violence can be a factor in depression

Gender-based discrimination and violence can be a factor in the development worsening of depression and other mental health concerns. Not only are women more likely to have life-threatening health concerns brushed to the side by medical professionals, but they're also more likely to be a target for workplace discrimination, experience sexual harassment and assault, and face intimate partner violence (IPV).Trauma and marginalization are both known risk factors for depression, so it is something we simply can't overlook when it comes to depression in women.

Poor body image increases the risk of depression in women

Poor body image increases the risk of depression, eating disorders, and other physical and mental health concerns. Anyone can battle poor body image, but women's appearances are often highly scrutinized without the bat of an eye. Ageism also appears to have a profound and disproportionate impact on women. Rather than treating body image as an issue that is strictly individual, it's important to see all of the ways in which it is societally inflicted. It is imperative that we dismantle the idea that a certain body size or shape is better than another and that any appearance-based bullying, teasing, or blatant bias and discrimination, becomes unacceptable among the general population.

Women are more likely to ask for help with depression

What's one positive thing about depression in women? While women are more likely to have a diagnosis of any and every type of depression, including MDD, they are also more likely to ask for help for depression. It's probable that these two factors actually work together; after all, if you don't reach out, you don't get a diagnosis. So, it could be less that men experience depression at a lower rate and more accurate to say that women are more likely to discuss their symptoms with a healthcare provider. At this time, statistics suggest that women face depression at a higher rate than men, but this could change as more men with depression speak up and get care.

Conclusion

Some types of depression predominantly affect women, and women are more likely to get a depression diagnosis at this time. A variety of factors, such as underdiagnosed physical health problems that can lead to depression and gender-based violence, bias, or discrimination, all play a probable role in women's mental health. Depression can impact anyone, and it's nothing to be ashamed of. No matter who you are, don't be ashamed to reach out for help. Know that it is possible to feel like yourself again if you are struggling.