Depression is a common, treatable health condition that affects how you think, feel and physically function. While it can affect anyone, depression is nearly twice as common in women as men.
Many women experience depression throughout their lives. They can find it impacts on them in lots of different ways, including physically, emotionally, professionally and socially, as well as affecting their relationships.
Depression in women often doesn't look like constant sadness. Instead, it may be more like a persistent sense of being overwhelmed, exhausted or emotionally numb.
Here are some patterns to look out for:
Because many women balance demanding roles at home and work, symptoms of depression are often dismissed as stress or a personal failure to keep up.
Some women with depression feel like they’re performing a role rather than living their real life. It might look like you’ve got everything under control on the outside while on the inside, you feel disconnected.
Gendered patterns can influence how symptoms are experienced, expressed or recognised. Here are some of the ways depression may differ in women and men:
According to recent NHS data, approximately one in four women (around 24%) will experience a common mental health problem like depression or anxiety, compared to one in seven men (around 15%).
This difference may be due to a combination of biological, social and psychological factors that intersect throughout a woman’s life, including:
Throughout adulthood, reproductive transitions can act as triggers for some women, though it’s important to note that depression isn’t an inevitable part of these stages:
It’s a common misconception that depression is ‘just hormones’ during these specific times. In reality, depression can occur at any stage of life.
Treatment for depression isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. In the UK, NICE guidelines recommend a stepped care model. This means starting with the least intrusive treatment that’s likely to help, and increasing the level of support if your symptoms persist or become more severe.
Many women benefit from a combination of the following approaches:
From outpatient and day care options to more intense residential inpatient options, depression treatment can also be delivered at different levels depending on the severity of your symptoms and how much support you need.
You can move between these levels of support as your needs change, stepping up to more intensive care or stepping down as you begin to recover.
You don't need to have all the answers or a formal diagnosis to ask for help. Beginning with a conversation is often an effective way to start. As initial steps, you could speak to your GP, self-refer into services like access NHS talking therapies, or talk to a trusted friend.
Alternatively, contact a private mental health provider of services such as Priory offer confidential mental health assessments with experienced clinicians. This can help you understand what you’re experiencing and explore the most appropriate treatment options.
