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For people who haven’t ever lived with depression, the signs and symptoms might be hard to spot. After all, it’s normal to feel down or discombobulated when you’re going through a hard time, or really any change at all. Take prenatal or postnatal depression, for example. For some, getting pregnant and having a little one is an incredibly happy and exciting time in their life, but regardless depression follows them around like a little gray cloud.
But even when there aren’t major life changes, depression still can find a way to make an appearance. In fact, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 280 million people in the world live with depression. Even with as common as this mental illness is, depression signs and symptoms aren’t always the easiest to pinpoint if you aren’t looking for them. So we’re going to talk about what the signs of depression are, what to do if you have depression, and different ways to treat your depression.
What are the signs of depression in women?
The most common signs of depression in women aren’t specific only to folks who identify as female. But, there are a few specific types of depression that impact them because of biological factors like perinatal and postpartum depression.
But even those specific types of depression aside, the signs of depression in women are can be different because women experience depression differently. “Women and men feel depression differently. Women generally experience a lack of motivation, a decreased interest in preferred activities, a change in sleeping or eating patterns, and/or feel an overall sense of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness.” educational psychologist Dr. Richelle Whittaker told Healthline.
Other signs of depression include:
Nothing brings you joy
When things that you usually enjoy start to feel like a chore or aren’t things that make you happy anymore, it can be a big red flag.
“I’m an avid reader and writer, so when I couldn’t find the words, and I had no interest in reading my favorite author, I knew something was off," mom of 2, Natalie M., told Mom.com. "Honestly, these are my favorite things to do, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do any either of them.”
Inability to concentrate and zero energy
As a mom, it’s normal to feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions. And yes, that in itself makes it feel impossible to concentrate and drains all your energy. But if your inability to concentrate and lack of energy are impacting your day-to-day functioning, it’s time to talk to your provider.
Depression can also manifest itself physically. According to the Mayo Clinic, these other symptoms may also be signs of depression:
- Unusual irritability or frustration and/or bursts of anger
- Insomnia or excessive sleep
- Extreme fatigue
- Weight loss or loss of appetite, or unusual weight gain
- Unexplained physical ailments, such as frequent headaches or body pains
What to do if you have depression
When you realize you haven’t been feeling like yourself, the next question you might be asking is what to do if you have depression? While there aren’t hard and fast rules, it’s always important to let your provider know when these feelings of depression and symptoms are interfering with getting through your day.
Talk to your provider
Mention any of the symptoms of depression you have been experiencing and how they’re making you feel. Also, be sure to tell them about any changes to your sleep, mood, energy, or if you’ve considered hurting yourself. There is no judgment that comes with seeking help. It’s all about making sure you live the best quality of life.
Give yourself grace
No matter how hard you try, you won’t just "snap out of it". That’s not how depression works. Even once you understand what is going on, there is only so much within your control. So be patient with yourself and the adjustment it will take once you begin treating your depression.
How to treat depression
Partnering with your provider will help guide your decision on how to treat your depression. There are various ways to treat depression depending on the severity of your symptoms and how much it is impacting your life.
For some, a mix of medication and therapy might be just what you need to alleviate depression symptoms. Other options look more like lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, moving your body more, or cutting back on caffeine or alcohol. Any of these options, or a combination, will help you live with your depression in a way that is sustainable and allows you to live your life fully.
Note: Make sure to check with your doctor before starting any type of treatments or medications for your depression. Even natural methods such as teas, essential oils and supplements can be harmful, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, check with your pediatrician before using any aromatherapy oils around children.
