nicpurple5 – https://www.iampsychiatry.com/depression-symptoms

Symptoms of Depression in WomenWomen experience emotional ups and downs as do men, however the difference lies in that these changes are more likely to be triggered by hormonal fluctuations. The hormonal changes that occur during menstrual cycle, pregnancy and perimenopausal symptoms increase the risk of depression.Understanding the symptoms of depression can help you recognize it when it happens to someone you care about. Women are particularly affected by symptoms. include:1. Feelings of sadness and despairPeople suffering from depression might feel hopeless or sad. Sometimes, these feelings are “normal” and are in line with life’s ups and downs. If they persist or become severe, this is a sign that you need professional assistance.Women who are pregnant or have just had a baby might experience the “baby blues.” However, if the symptoms are more than mild and last for more than a week, it’s important to see a doctor. This could be a sign of postpartum depression, or a major depressive disorder with peripartum onset.Perimenopausal Depression may occur when hormone levels fluctuate. It can be characterized by irregular periods as well as sleep problems mood swings, hot flashes. These symptoms may be more severe than those associated with premenstrual (PMS) and include the tenderness of breasts and bloating. They can also include irritability, changes in appetite, and anger. Treatments include talk therapy including virtual or in-person counseling, antidepressant medication, and brain stimulation techniques such as ECT and TMS. Even the most severe cases of depression can be cured with the proper treatment.2. Loss of interest or pleasure in things you used to enjoyThe loss of enthusiasm for activities you normally enjoy may be a symptom of depression. This could be a lack of desire to spend time with your friends and a decline in reading, or a decrease in interest in hobbies that you once enjoyed. If you notice any changes, it’s important to talk to a medical professional right away.Depression can cause people to lose interest in the things they usually like to do, and it may make them feel as if there is no reason to continue. These feelings can cause a lack of energy and this can then feed back into depression, causing the symptoms to become worse.Depression can be a problem for everyone, but women are more likely to be affected than men. It is likely due to social, biological and hormone factors that are specific to women. Women also tend to seek treatment for depression more often than men do. Men can have the same symptoms as women, such as irritation or a loss of interest in things they normally like to do However, research suggests that they’re less likely to identify the symptoms and seek help for them.3. Feelings of guilt, shame and a sense of inadequacyDepression can be more intense and last longer than sadness. Depression can make people feel worthless or feel guilty. They might even blame themselves for their problems. They may also contemplate suicide. These symptoms are more common in women than males. Women are more likely than men to seek treatment for depression. It is also partly because certain women are more likely to suffer from chronic or serious health conditions, which can cause depression to become more serious.Women may experience depression after the difficult pregnancy, childbirth, or after the breakup of a family or relationship. This is referred to as perinatal depression. Women are also more prone to postpartum depression disorders that affect the mother following childbirth. They may also suffer from premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD) which is a more severe form of PMS and causes severe mood swings prior to the start of their menstrual period.It is essential to recognize that depression is a medical condition that needs to be treated with seriousness. It is not a sign of weakness or something you have to “get over.” Talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and medications can be helpful.4. Difficulty concentrating or making decisionsDepression can make it difficult to make clear decisions. It can also hinder your ability to concentrate or do simple tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed.Everyone feels down sometimes however, if feelings of sadness or despair become overwhelming and interfere with everyday functioning, a health professional should be sought out for assistance. Women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression since they have different coping abilities and may experience more stressful life changes and events, such as relationships or marriage problems, a miscarriage or childbirth, work-life balance issues or financial problems.Women may also experience mood disorders that are linked to their menstrual cycles, such as premenstrual disorder (PMDD), which is characterized by extreme irritability and other symptoms during the week prior to a woman’s period. Some women also experience menopausal depression, which is similar to PMDD but is more common during the menopause transition. These conditions can be caused by stressors or hormonal changes, but they also are related to the role women play in her family and social group and the history of previous depression or family mental illness.5. Too little sleep or too oftenWomen who are depressed may have trouble sleeping. They might feel that they’re not getting enough sleep or wake up often during the night. They may also have difficulty sleeping or feel they’re waking up too early in the morning. These symptoms can lead to fatigue, which can worsen depression.Research has shown that women are at an increased risk of developing depression than men. This could be because of hormonal changes that occur during menopausal, pregnancy, and puberty or due to socioeconomic factors that put women at a higher risk.Depression can be treated using antidepressants as well as talk therapy (virtual or in person) as well as other treatments, including brain stimulation techniques like ECT and TMS. If you are experiencing symptoms that are intense and last for a few weeks, it’s important to seek out assistance. You can contact a suicide prevention hotline that is accessible round the clock at 988, or chat online to receive help. For links and resources for local services go here. The first step in feeling better is to seek assistance.6. Hot flashes and night sweatsIn the perimenopausal period, many women suffer from hot flushes and night sweats. They can also occur at any time following menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats are signs of withdrawal from estrogen which occurs when Ovaries stop producing hormones (menopause). They can be caused by a variety of causes that include hormonal changes during menopausal, pregnancy, puberty, or after surgery such as an oophorectomy that is bilateral to stop cancer. Some medications can cause them, such as birth control pills, NSAIDs and hormone replacement therapy.Depression is twice as prevalent in women than in men, and researchers have found that there are a variety of contributing factors. There are several factors that contribute to depression in women, such as reproductive hormones, a female-specific response to stress and social pressures.Women are more likely than men to be ruminating when they experience depression, which can exacerbate their symptoms. In addition, they tend to feel exhausted more often than men after an episode of depression. This feeling of exhaustion is a sign of depression, and is also known as anhedonia. It is the loss of enjoyment in activities that used to be pleasurable.7. Weight loss and appetite lossWomen are more likely to suffer from depression than men, although it can be experienced by any person. bipolar depression symptoms in females is usually due to differences between how women and men express their emotions and react to stressors. For example women are more likely to cry or feel emotional vulnerability, while men may be more likely to display anger or irritability. Additionally women are more likely to seek treatment for depression than men.Fatigue is a typical manifestation of depression. This is because depression may cause the brain to stop the production of epinephrine, which is responsible for creating feelings of energy. This could lead to a decline in appetite, which can result in weight gain or loss.Other factors that could cause depression in women include hormonal changes that occur during puberty and menopausal changes as well as prior experiences with sexual or physical abuse. Women who are depressed are more likely to develop eating disorders, and many have unhealthy coping methods such as drug or alcohol use. This can make depression harder to manage.8. AnhedoniaWhile depression can affect people of all ages, women tend to exhibit more depressive symptoms than men. This could be due to the fact that they are more likely to seek help, report their symptoms differently or are afflicted with a combination of factors that makes them more susceptible to depression.Anhedonia is a feeling of not having enjoyment or pleasure. It is common among those who are depressed, and could be a sign of serious depression or bipolar disorder. Anhedonia is a condition in which people have difficulty identifying what they enjoy, or finding enjoyment in activities such as hobbies, work or relationships.Anhedonia is common for women experiencing hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or childbirth, or even premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD). These kinds of depression can be treated by counseling or medication. Women also may be more susceptible to the psychological factors that cause depression, like negative body image or stress. They also tend to think more about their negative feelings, which can prolong depression. It is important to seek out professional help or to distract yourself from depression.