Depression in Women: What to Know and What to Do

Women are more likely to develop depression than men due to many factors. This can leave a woman feeling a loss of self-esteem and confidence in her abilities, and wondering if the feeling of emptiness will ever subside.

The good news is that depression is a treatable mental condition. However, depression in women must be treated early before symptoms become severe. Recognizing the symptoms and becoming aware of what to do to alleviate the effects can help you overcome depression and regain control of your life.

Why Women are More Likely to Develop Depression

Depression in women is more likely due to several factors.

Genetics and family history can play a role in whether a woman develops depression. She may be more genetically “hard-wired” for feeling down, or she grew up in a household with someone who struggled with the mental condition.

Chemical imbalances can worsen depression symptoms or create coexisting mental conditions, such as anxiety disorders. The effects of trauma or abuse can trigger depression that can last weeks, months, or years without treatment.

Consult with your physician about the side effects of any medications you currently take, as the side effects of several can lower mood and lead to depression and anxiety.

Symptoms of Depression in Women

Familiarizing yourself with the symptoms of depression in women can help you know when to seek treatment. If you have had symptoms for more than two weeks, speak to a counselor. Some mental conditions, such as bipolar disorder, cycle through manic and depressive episodes that repeat for months or years. Don’t continue to suffer from depression. Learn the symptoms and seek help.

Sadness – Persistent sadness that doesn’t go away and lasts for two or more weeks. Sadness is a hallmark of depression and can appear as mild to severe.

Fatigue – A bone-weariness that makes it difficult to go about your typical day. You may want to stay in bed or find it challenging to keep up with personal hygiene and housework.

Mood swings – Irritability and sudden mood swings make it challenging for others to live and work in your space. You may experience crying jags.

Feeling guilt or shame – You may experience feelings of guilt or shame. These feelings can be due to something from your past, a worry about the future, or trauma. You may feel guilty for missing out on your child’s school event due to depression.

Trouble concentrating – Depression affects cognitive function. You may have trouble concentrating or focusing on tasks. You may forget small or large details or dates. This forgetfulness and lack of focus can interfere with your work and the goals you have set.

Changes in appetite – You may notice changes in your appetite. Depression can alter ghrelin and leptin, the hormones responsible for hunger and satiety. This can lead to rapid weight gain or loss.

Changes in sleep – Adrenaline, cortisol, and other stress hormones can interfere with quality sleep. You may sleep too much, partly due to fatigue, or have trouble falling and staying asleep. It is common for people struggling with depression to feel tired but unable to sleep.

Headaches – Headaches, stomachaches, and unexplained body aches are common with depression in women. You may also notice a change in your menstrual cycle due to the combination of depression and hormonal fluctuations.

Substance abuse – Substance abuse can worsen depression symptoms, yet many people choose alcohol or drugs to numb the pain or to feel something other than the numbness or emptiness that can accompany depression. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, which may require the help of a mental health professional to break the cycle.

Suicidal thoughts – Intrusive thoughts, urges to self-harm, and suicidal ideations can develop with depression if left untreated. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these, seek help immediately.

Don’t continue to suffer from depression. Learn the symptoms and seek help. Christian counseling can help draw you closer to God and His Son, Jesus Christ, while learning the strategies to overcome depression. You can feel joy again through and in Him.

What to Do for Depression in Women

Although professional treatment is often required to break free from depression, there are lifestyle changes you can make to alleviate symptoms. The goal is to resume daily activities and break the cycle of negative thoughts and emotions. It is a combination of a healthier lifestyle, counseling, and treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that can help you reach the other side.

Seek treatment

No amount of lifestyle changes can overcome severe depression in women. They can help to boost mood and set the body on the correct course toward healing, but treatment through a mental health care practitioner can really make the difference.

When you combine Christian counseling with psychological methods geared toward depression, your care plan addresses both body and mind. You cover the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual areas of your life. You learn to adopt new strategies to manage depression while leaning into the Great Physician for grace and healing.

Get more active

Becoming more active can suppress the sympathetic nervous system and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The release of endorphins and serotonin can leave you happier, more confident, and calmer. When you engage in heart-pumping exercise, these endorphins calm the fight-or-flight response.

Consider adding 20 to 30 minutes of exercise to your daily routine. Try to vary your workouts. For example, take a brisk walk on Monday, lift weights on Tuesday, practice Pilates on Wednesday, and meet friends for a swim at the pool on Thursday.

Ditch inflammatory foods

Inflammatory foods worsen depression symptoms. Ultra-processed, packaged foods, and foods high in salt and fat can contribute to chronic inflammation, which increases your risk for other conditions as well, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stroke, heart attack, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

A nutritionist can review your current daily diet and recommend healthier swaps that might boost your mood. Stick to leaner cuts of meat, healthier fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid packaged and processed foods, or any food high in sugar or salt.

Practice stress management

Stress contributes to depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental and physical conditions. Chronic stress also triggers inflammation, which can make you physically and mentally ill. To combat this, practice stress management as part of your daily routine. Instead of waiting until you feel bad, incorporate activities into your daily habits.

For example, take the time in the morning to rub lotion or cream into your skin after bathing. The act of massaging skin can help calm and focus your mind on the present. Try spreading activities throughout the day and week.

Perhaps spend two minutes practicing deep breathing every afternoon and curling up in a chair to read a good book every Thursday evening. Give yourself a pleasurable activity daily and weekly to make you feel good.

Build a support system

A support system can include friends, family, or acquaintances who are familiar with depression in women. Having a support system can keep you accountable.

These people can check on you when you find yourself isolating from the world. They can stop by your home, ask how you are feeling, and encourage you to participate in social functions. Choose people who will listen when you need them and be there for you when you struggle.

Virtual Christian Counseling for Depression

As a Christian woman, you were meant to live a life of purpose and calling. Depression can rob you of the will to move forward. Seek help if depression interferes with your life.

Contact our reception team today to connect with a Christian counselor specializing in depression in women. We also offer virtual counseling sessions to accommodate your schedule. Call us today to schedule an appointment.