Depression is one of the big mental disorders affecting both
men and women, although signs and experiences differ. In most cases, depression
manifests with some unique signs and symptoms in women. Being knowledgeable
about the warning signs becomes very important to seek the right help and
treatment. Next is a detailed illustration of some symptoms, which include
depression in women:
Here Are 15 Symptoms of Depression in Women?
1. Feeling sad or low in mood most of the time
The women with depression describe or manifest feelings of
sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness about the future. The low mood is most of
the day, either subjective in the patient's report or objective in the
observation by others including the clinician. The low mood pervades enough to
interfere appreciably with the appreciation of interests or activities formerly
found pleasurable.
2. Loss of Interest or Pleasure
A very common symptom of depression is the loss of interest
in every activity that a person earlier found most pleasurable or satisfying.
Under this category, it includes hobbies, social activities, or even sexual
intimacy. Women tend to withdraw from friends and family.
3. Fatigue or Loss of Energy
Common symptoms include chronic fatigue and a lack of
energy. Women suffering from depression may feel extremely tired even after
they get sufficient rest. It affects their daily routine and responsibilities.
4. Changes in Sleep Pattern
Depression mostly disturbs the sleep pattern. A woman may
sleep excessively that is known as hypersomnia, or she may have very little
sleep that is called insomnia. Both can disturb normal life and daily routine.
5. Changes in Appetite or Weight
Appétit or weight is often radically changed. Some females
completely lose their appetite, hence losing weight, while others start eating
emotionally, hence gaining weight. Both conditions may relate to a change in
physical health and esteem.
6. Difficulty Concentrating
5. Concentration Problems: Women suffering from depression
frequently report problems concentrating, for example, on decision making. It's
basically characterized by an inability to focus attention on tasks, make
decisions, or remember details. These impairments may drastically affect
performance at work and in personal life.
7. Worthlessness or Guilt Feelings:
The feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt or remorse
are especially prevalent in women. The lady carries a bad image about herself
and is always severely criticizing herself for their perceived failures or
shortcomings at everything.
8. Irritability or Mood Swings
This can cause an increase in irritability or mood swings in
women with depression. Most of them become so easily frustrated, angry, and
overwhelmed with feelings that cause them lots of trouble in their relations
and daily functioning.
9. Physical Symptoms
It is also accompanied by physical symptoms such as
unexplained aches and pains, headaches, or digestive problems. In most cases,
such symptoms have no obvious medical cause and always stay even after
treatment.
10. Thoughts of Death or Suicide
In worst cases, the women suffering from depression may
develop a death wish or suicide. It may involve preoccupation with death,
suicidal thoughts, or even an attempt at suicide. One must seek professional
help immediately when such thoughts cross one's mind.
11. Social Withdrawal
Another common tendency is that of social withdrawal,
whereby they withdraw from social circles. A woman will avoid social events,
ignore calls, messages, and prefer to be alone, which would more indeed nurture
the feelings of loneliness and despair.
12. Reduced Self-Care
A clear pointer of depression is negligence in personal care
and hygiene. A woman will not bother much about how she appears. She forgets
grooming habits or fails to go through scheduled or necessary health care.
13. Relationship Problems
Depression can strain the relationships between a woman and
her family, friends, and companion. Women find it hard to communicate and
develop increased conflict or difficulty in maintaining continued emotional
contact.
14. Low Self-Esteem
A woman under depression usually forms low self-esteem that
is coupled with a doubtful self-concept. They feel less able or incompetent,
thus losing their confidence level and the overall quality of life.
15. Chronic Stress or Anxiety
This can be accompanied by an overall increase in stress or
anxiety levels. Specifically, women report many of the following experiences
and their intensification of depressive feelings: continued worry, tension, or
restlessness.
Effects on Various Facets of Life
Occupational problems
The working capacity of depressed women can be grossly
reduced. Fatigability, lack of concentration, and loss of self-esteem can
easily present clinically to result in decreased productivity and work performance.
Absenteeism from work is more common, and women can feel drowned in tasks which
were previously easily managed.
Parenting Problems
In mothers, it may cause impairment in childcare and
nurturing. There may be a lack of energy and motivation for parenting, which
compounds feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Depressed mothers need help to
secure wellness for themselves and their children.
Financial Burden
It can also affect the pocket or financial aspects. Doctors'
bills can be heavy for treatment and therapy. Furthermore, if depression interferes with job performance, one can lose his or her job, thus attaining
lower pay or being dismissed, adding up to the financial stress.
Seeking Help and Treatment
Identifying the symptoms of female depression can pave the
way to attaining help and finding better mental health. If you or someone you
know has these symptoms, then see a professional in health care as it is best
to obtain an accurate diagnosis with a consequent treatment. Definitely,
depression is a condition manageable, and with the proper support and therapy,
one can work through their recovery to try and get back their better quality of
life.
Conclusion
Different symptoms of depression can affect all walks of
life in depression in women. Then, it is important to recognize these symptoms
since this is the step toward help and recovery. If you or your loved one has
been going through symptoms of depression, attending a health professional
could be the first step, which would be vital in getting help and treatment.
Everybody can cope with depression and work toward living healthier and more
fulfilling with appropriate care.
Please book an appointment with the best Psychologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
