Depressive disorders affect more than 19 million American adults each year; the majority of these are women. In fact, about twice as many women as men have depression. Why? Many experts believe it may be due to hormonal changes that occur throughout a woman’s life—puberty, premenstrual problems, pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause. Genetics may also play a role; a woman is more likely to suffer from depression if they have a family history of the disorder. Environmental factors may also affect whether a woman develops a depressive disorder. Some examples include marital problems, work overload and past history of abuse, to name just a few possibilities.

Symptoms of depression in women include, but are not limited to:

• Persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety
• Restlessness
• Feelings of guilt and hopelessness
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Decrease in energy
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Physical pain that does not respond to treatment

There are other differences in the ways that depression affects women versus men. For example, for women, depression tends to first occur at an earlier age. It may also last longer and reoccur later in life. Women with depression are more likely to suffer from other disorders, as well, such as anxiety, panic attacks and eating disorders. They’re also more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.

Various options are available to treat depression. A trained professional can help determine the best plan, which may consist of a combination of medication and therapy. Left untreated, however, depression can lead to health problems, thoughts of suicide and even death.

For more information about how depression can affect women, contact Solace Counseling. We can create a customized treatment plan to suit your specific needs. Also, look for us on Facebook and Twitter.