Everyone, at some point, regardless of their gender, has felt sad, blue, and depressed. However, for some people, the persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness, and worthlessness never abate.
While men and women can both develop this mental health disorder, depression in women has a higher rate of prevalence than in men. Women are also more likely to develop clinical depression and a major depressive episode. Fortunately, personalized depression treatment can help women manage their condition and lead active and productive lives.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a type of mood disorder and mental illness that causes people to experience persistent feelings of sadness, helplessness, and worthlessness. It impacts one’s ability to think, concentrate, focus, and manage daily routines and tasks. People also lose interest in hobbies, activities, and socializing with family and friends. Depression even impacts one’s eating habits and sleep cycles.
Depression is a “catch-all” term used to describe one of several different types of depression, including:
- Major Depressive Disorder (Clinical Depression)
- Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
- Prenatal or Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must persist continuously for at least two weeks or longer.
How Common Is Depression in Women?
According to the World Health Organization, depression in women is quite common, with around 280 million people globally having depression. Among these, depression is almost 50% more common in women than men. Additionally, over 10% of pregnant women experience either prenatal or postpartum depression.
What Causes Depression in Women?
The causes for depression in women will vary from one woman to the next, and could include:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during PMS, pregnancy, and menopause can all have direct impacts on a woman’s mood and increase risks of developing depression.
- Imbalances in brain chemistry: When there is an imbalance of serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters in the brain, where their levels are lower than normal, it raises the risk of depression.
- Genetics: If there is a family history of depression, it can increase the risk of it developing.
- Unresolved trauma: When there is unresolved trauma from any point in life, depression is more likely to develop.
- Negative behaviors and thoughts: When someone has distorted perceptions and negative behaviors, it can cause them to become depressed.
- Alcohol and substance use disorders: One of the most common mental health disorders that develops when someone has an addiction is depression.
Other Common Causes of Depression in Women
- Loss of a loved one: Women can have a harder time coping with the loss of a loved one, which can lead to depression.
- Abuse: Women have higher prevalence rates of verbal, physical, and sexual abuse, which can increase the risks of developing depression.
- Chronic illnesses: Being diagnosed with breast cancer, other forms of cancer, or another chronic illness can often cause depression.
- Chronic pain: Some women, who are unable to manage chronic pain conditions, can develop depression.
What Are the Signs of Depression in Women?
The signs of depression in women will vary depending on the severity of depression and the type, and are similar to those experienced by men, including:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness
- Lack of energy
- Irritability
- Frustration
- Loss of enjoyment
- Uncontrolled crying
- Sleeping too much or experiencing insomnia
- Changes in eating habits (eating as a coping mechanism or not eating at all)
- Changes in weight from changes in eating habits
- Difficulties focusing, concentrating, and making decisions
- Memory problems
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Depressive symptoms are treatable using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities, such as:
- Individual Therapy
- Trauma Therapy
- TMS Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Medication Management
What Types of Depression Are Unique to Women?
There are four different types of depression that are unique to them:
- Prenatal depression: Depression that develops during pregnancy that can be related to hormonal changes, concerns and worry about becoming a mother, and the changes happening to their bodies.
- Postpartum depression: Depression that occurs after giving birth, with similar causes as prenatal depression.
- PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder): Women with PMDD experience PMS symptoms that can start several weeks before their actual period, along with depressive symptoms. It is often related to hormonal fluctuations and can persist for several weeks each period cycle.
- Perimenopausal depression: Depression can develop just before menopause begins as a result of changes in hormonal levels.
Is Suicide More Common in Women?
Women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts with depression than men. Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide but be unsuccessful. However, men are four times more likely to kill themselves than women. Regardless of whether you are a man or woman, if you are having suicidal thoughts, whether related to depression or another reason, it is vital to seek help immediately.
Help is available at Montare Behavioral Health or the national 988 Lifeline. We understand life can become overwhelming and difficult, and you want someone to talk to who will listen. Our caring team is here for you. Remember, you are not alone.
Contact Montare Behavioral Health to Treat Depression in California or Arizona
If you or a loved one is struggling with depression, help is available in California and Arizona at Montare Behavioral Health. Our caring and supportive team provides comprehensive treatment programs tailored to the unique needs to treat depression in women and men effectively. Let us help you regain control over your life and mental health. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or to schedule a consultation.
Published: 6/18/2025