Depression is such a vast subject, and discussing symptoms of depression in women makes it no less so.
Women are far more complex than men, and the reasons for this are legion. their complexities can be biological, or forced upon them by society, their environment and their socio-economic situation. all these factors that are completely outside their control.
According to the National Mental Health Association, 12 million women experience clinical depression in the United States every year, and one in every eight may expect to develop it at least once in their lifetime. half, if not more than that, don't receive the help they need. one of the reasons for this is that since so many have families to care for and spouses who, to put it gently, are rather less than caring, the woman simply carries on, thinking that she'll soon recover and that she's just going through a 'down' period.
If she's unfortunate enough to have to live with uncaring people; husband, boyfriend, even parents, the thought that they may lose her to a hospital ward for a few weeks is unthinkable. They'd actually have to 'do' for themselves. The re-action of such people, therefore, is one of dismissal, and the poor woman finds herself boxed in to her own quiet misery.
But let's lighten the mood by supposing she lives with a spouse or a family who are understanding and genuinely love her. these are the five signs for which they should watch.
1. obviously the most vital and pressing, any talk at all of death and/or suicide. I feel so useless I might as well be dead, should be a five alarm warning. Into the car and off to the doctor, even if she is kicking and screaming.
2. If she lets on to feeling worthless, or confesses to feeling guilty for no reason whatever. Society generally puts far more of a strain on women than it does men. Women are bombarded by television and innumerable magazines of these 'perfect' creatures, slim and always sunny natured, immaculate even after being knee deep in manure in the garden, without a hair out of place. Your poor wife, on the other hand, after a morning's baking, looks as though she's just gone fifteen rounds with the world heavyweight contender. Time to give her some support and this is especially true around holiday time.
3. Sleep patterns. here, women tend to be the opposite of men. This is a definite symptom of depression in women. they tend to sleep more. If you notice this happening to a female member of your family, then this is another warning sign.
4. again, we see women acting in the opposite way to men. They're more likely to eat more, not less as men do, and they'll gain weight. This by itself is another depressor and something to which family members should be especially alive.
5. There are other symptoms, but this is probably the last major one, and it's common to both women and men. Loss of energy and constantly feeling tired.
Women suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.a.D., much more than men. again, if a female member of your family is prone to depression, even mildly so, this is something to keep an eye on when Thanksgiving and Christmas come around.
This article is an overview and barely scratches the surface of female depression, but I hope it's given some idea of the symptoms for which you should be alive
Symptoms of Depression in Women - 5 Main Signs to Watch For
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