Depression in women occurs twice as often than in men and can appear at any stage of life. Women from all socio-economic, racial, and educational backgrounds may be affected. As researchers gather more data concerning women and depression and come to better understand its role in their lives, the root causes seems to be an interplay of genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, and life events.

What are the Symptoms of Depression?
Women who are experiencing depression don't just feel sad, they feel miserable. Most report extreme fatigue and a total absence of energy. The smallest tasks seem impossibly daunting. Anxiety attacks are common with depression and women as is reclusive, anti-social behavior.

Women in depression have trouble concentrating and feel they are failures and a burden to others. These feelings in turn lead to a sense of guilt and an inability to see a future. The depressed person may exhibit anger or irritability, often expressing a sense that life is unfair and passing them by. Insomnia is a common symptom and physical aches and pains for no apparent reason are also common.

What are some of the Causes and Risk Factors for Depression in Women?
Certain events in a woman's life put her at special risk for depression including puberty, pregnancy, perimenopause, substance abuse, relationship disruptions, and trauma. The presence of depression puts these women at further risk for suicide and death from illnesses caused by poor self-care and reduced attention to medical regimens.

Recent research indicates that major depressive episodes cluster in families. If you have a parent or sibling who has battled the disorder, you too are at increased risk. With the onset of puberty, the normal monthly cycle, pregnancy, and menopause a women experiences hormonal surges and disruptions that effect neuromodulators like serotonin. Depression and anxiety can result.

More than 80 percent of documented cases of depression in women are preceded by some adverse event ranging from childhood sexual abuse to spousal abuse. Early trauma, which is often suppressed for long periods of time, can actually have a more pronounced depressive effect than more recent events.

Statistics of depression in women have also revealed that women are more prone to ruminative thinking, a mental pattern which repetitively and passively focuses on symptoms, causes, and consequences. With relationships more central to a woman's sense of self than a male's, the combination of this emphasis and the ruminative thought pattern often leads to extended periods of depression focused on interpersonal relationships.

Best Ways for Treating Women in Depression

Treating depression in women or women in depression commonly involves psychotherapy and antidepressants, usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Both are equally effective with mild to moderate depression with psychotherapy being especially well adapted to depressive issues arising from given thought patterns and interpersonal relationships.

 Cognitive behavior therapy coupled with the use of antidepressants can help women to alter the behaviors at the root of their depression so that they can ultimately go off the medication and cope quite well.

What are Some Tips for Dealing with Depression?
Exercise is a powerful remedy against depression. The body's natural endorphins, elevated by a good workout, will naturally improve your mood. At the same time you can help yourself to be happier, you will also be getting physically healthier.

Avoid the use of alcohol, sedatives and antihistamines which cause a "loggy," drugged feeling. Eat less protein and fat in favor of fruits and vegetables. Make sure you're getting plenty of Vitamins B6 and C.

Investigate some form of guided meditation, for instance disciplines involving patterned breathing. Learning an active mechanism for the control of anxiety and panic attacks will significantly decrease subsequent episodes of depression.
Don't isolate yourself. Ruminative thinking gets worse when you are alone. Spend time with family and friends and develop a support system. Everyone needs a friend or counselor with whom they can share both their joys and their sorrows.

In a depressive state, avoid making major, life-altering decisions. If you are tempted to do so, discuss the idea with a trusted friend or perhaps your minister. Force yourself to allow time to "sleep on" the idea.

Many women report that developing some aspect of spiritualism helps them to feel more grounded and able to weather the ups and downs of life. For some this may take the form of prayer, for others a regimen of yoga. Do what feels right for you, even combining disciplines if that gives you maximum benefit.

Is Research on Depression and Women Ongoing?
Better research is being conducted about the complex factors that go into the development of depression in women. A woman's hormonal fluctuations are unique to the individual and usually can not be treated with a "blanket" approach. In other words what works for one woman may not work for another.

Simply honoring the uniqueness of your life and your problems and combating them in a positive, affirming way in keeping with your belief and comfort levels is one of the greatest steps forward in dealing with depression. By keeping yourself informed, reading new research findings, and educating yourself about any therapies proposed by a health care professional, you are taking charge of your overall health and well being which is exactly what you should do.

Depression in women is a far more common disorder than most people realize. Left unaddressed the condition can negatively influence a woman's life and her interpersonal relationships. A feeling of defeat, however, should not overwhelm women and depression issues. These problems can be effectively overcome in an empowering way.