Women and Depression:
Know the Facts

Depression in Pregnancy

Treating Depression

The Women's Health
Program Salutes...
Dr. Sheila Marcus,
Department of Psychiatry

New Women's Health
Resource

Women's Mental Health
Research Update

About Women's Health

What Is Depression?

Depression is an illness that affects all aspects of the body: mood, thoughts, eating and sleeping, the way a person feels about herself, and the way she thinks about things.

Many American women struggle from time to time with depression--the most common mental health disorder in the U.S. Depression is twice as common in women as in men, and it is estimated that up to 25% of women will experience depression at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, depression often is misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Knowing the facts may increase awareness, reduce stigma, and lead to appropriate referral and treatment.

Depression is not the same as feeling down or blue. Depression is not a sign of personal weakness for which the person is to blame. People cannot just "get over" depression or "pull themselves together." Scientists do not know exactly what causes depression, but we know that depression runs in families and may be partly genetic. Genes may cause a person to have levels of certain brain chemicals that are abnormal and that may make a person vulnerable to experiencing depression. Depression also can impact the functioning and structure of some parts of the brain, including those that control memory.

Depression also is more common for people who have experienced very traumatic or stressful events in their lives, especially in childhood. Stress in general can also contribute to depression, particularly in women. Stresses include major responsibilities at home and work as well as single parenthood. Some issues specific to women also may contribute to depression including the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, the postpartum period, infertility, and menopause.

Symptoms of Depression

A thorough diagnostic evaluation is needed if five or more of the following symptoms are present and last for more than two weeks, or if they interfere with work or family life. An evaluation involves a complete physical checkup and information gathering on family health history:

If you have experienced some or all of these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depressive illness:

• Feeling sad, blue, or depressed most of the day
• Losing interest in or pleasure from activities throughout the day
• Losing or gaining weight without trying
• Sleeping too much or inability to sleep
• Feelings of restlessness
• Feeling fatigued or having no energy
• Feeling very worthless or guilty
• Trouble concentrating
• Thoughts of harming or killing yourself

Click on the other articles in this issue of Women's Health to find helpful information about depression in pregnancy and the postpartum period, treatment, and current research studies. The Women's Health Program is aware of the importance of recognizing women's mental health issues and is proud to dedicate this issue to helping women live well and feel good.

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