Depressionaffects at least 350 million people around the world.
Women are twice as likely to deal with itssymptoms as men.
Countless factors can influence how the female body and mind respond to life’s changes and challenges.
Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health
These include genetic issues, physical problems, and social factors.
Understanding how depression develops in women can help you prevent or manage its symptoms.
This article covers causes and signs of depression, along with ways to improve your mood.
Research studies sometimes don’t use the terminology in this way.
Differences in Female Depression
Some biological traits can make women predisposed to developing depression.
Female hormonesprogesteroneandestrogenaffect mood, so imbalances in these hormones can affect emotional well-being.
Women typically show more of these behaviors:
Physical
Depression can cause some physical problems.
These include:
PMDD Symptoms
PMDD symptoms may overlap with major depression and other mental illnesses.
It is a medical emergency.
you might help improve your mood with a few lifestyle tweaks or medical and psychiatric options.
Keep in mind that what helps one person may not help another.
Non-Medication
A few changes in your environment or routine may bring you relief from depressive symptoms.
Youon your own or with a trusted personcan also find ways to channel your emotions in a healthier manner.
Antidepressants work by altering brain chemicals that regulate your mood.
You may only need medication for a short period.
However, many women need ongoing treatment throughout their lives.
It’s important to discuss the benefits and risks of any depression medication with your doctor.
Side effects may include:
Summary
Women experience depression more often and more intensely than men.
Does depression go away?
It may subside, depending on the cause and severity of your illness.
As with other illnesses, depression symptoms can respond favorably to self-care and expert treatment.
Severe mood swings can cripple you physically and socially.
Each day may look different with depression.
You may feel more hopeful at one time and be in despair at another.
Give yourself grace as you would treat a dear friend.
Female sex hormones can make women more vulnerable to depressive disorders.
Changes in the levels of these chemicals may aggravate depression in some women.
Mood disorders may improve with healthy eating, exercise, meditation, aromatherapy, and many other non-medicinal applications.
Your healthcare provider can help you determine the best treatment options for your situation and monitor your progress.
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