Depression In Women

On contrary belief, depression is very common in our community and many do not seek help until it is too late. According to a recent study, about 15 million people in America suffer from depression each year. Two thirds out of the total number are women. This means one in every four women is likely to experience depression at one point in their lives. Although depression does not discriminate between genders, causes and symptoms for depression in women often differs from men. Knowing how to identify these factors can help you to minimize the risk of falling into depression and seek effective treatment.

Depression in women can be very serious. It affects every aspects of your life; relationships, social life, and career. Sufferers often experience sadness as well as a sense of helplessness, worthlessness, and hopelessness. Besides that, women with depression disorder tend to feel guilt, feel irritable, cry excessively, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleeping trouble, having difficulty in concentrating, headaches and loss of interest in everyday things including sex. Serious symptoms of depression in women may include suicidal thoughts. However, symptoms for depression can vary from one individual to another.

There are a few contributing factors for depression in women. The National Institutes of Health has identified certain biological, interpersonal, psychological, and personality determinants can lead to depression. A woman who has a family history of mood disorders is more likely to catch this disorder. Apart from that, losing the support from family and friends especially parents before the age of 10 is another cause for depression in women.

Stressful environments that affect women psychologically and socially such as relationship problems, divorce, and the loss of a job can also lead to depression. Other contributing factors of this disorder include physical and sexual abuse during childhood as well as the usage of certain medications.

As mentioned in this article earlier, depression can be different between men and women. Based on scientific research, depression in women usually happens earlier. It can also be due to stressful environments, tend to last longer, and reoccur again even after treatment. Besides that, depression among women is more likely to take place during winter months because they are sensitive towards seasonal changes.

Furthermore, depressed women tend to have suicidal thoughts but attempt to commit suicide less than men. Apart from that, women who are depressed have a higher probability of abusing substances such as alcohol and drugs.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Depression-In-Women&id=8779223