By Mike Stevens
Depression in women is far more common than it is in men. Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression than the opposite sex, with specific points in life being more at risk. The highest risk times in a woman's life include puberty, pregnancy and menopause, all times when there is a major upheaval in her hormone levels.
The signs of female depression are often overlooked as a women struggles to continue her every day life, hiding the depression from her friends and family. Depression is frequently chalked up to bad character and the woman may feel embarrassed to admit that she isn't happy. This is especially true during times that are generally perceived as great blessings, such as during pregnancy. Everyone expects to be thrilled about a new baby, but the pregnant woman might find herself increasingly depressed as the due date draws near and she feels she must hide this from the thrilled grandparents and father-to-be.
Another reason depression may be overlooked is that it is often accompanied by periods of mania or euphoria when the woman feels she is on top of world. This also confuses those around her, who believe that the periods of depression are only temporary.
The most common signs of female depression include changes in appetite (eating much more or less than usual), unending fatigue, and changes in sleep patterns (insomnia or excessive sleepiness). Depression in women usually results in a withdrawal from the world, as well. The depressed woman suddenly prefers to stay home rather than go to mother's group or exercise class. She may find herself unable to concentrate on the simplest tasks and will feel inexplicably sad and hopeless, perhaps even turning her thoughts to suicide. Another sign may be a physical condition that cannot be traced to any particular cause, such as frequent headaches or stomach pains.
Depression in women can strike at any age and shouldn't be ignored. When a husband notices the signs of female depression in his wife, or if a friend notices that a woman is no longer interested in anything except staying locked up at home, it is time to intervene. The woman herself is the most likely to decide to take action, although she might be too embarrassed to talk to a doctor or therapist about her condition.
A large number of women choose to treat their depression naturally, for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they feel unable to deal with the possible side effects of a prescription drug while caring for a family, or want to avoid the stigma of a therapist and antidepressants. In some cases the cost of the drugs is also prohibitive and the depressed woman feels that herbal supplements would be more economical and safe.
Natural treatments for depression in women abound. St. John's Wort is one of the most commonly known, while valerian root, green tea and ginkgo biloba are also effective at treating the disorder.
Women may suffer more from depression, but they have options for treating it. Instead of hiding from the world, they would do well to seek medical help and start looking at ways to get out of the cycle. Depression in women can and should be treated.
Mike Stevens has been studying the mood disorders for years, and has written many articles on the subject. He is a regular contributor to Signs of Female Depression section of http://www.beat-your-depression.com, a site discussing conventional and alternative ways to treat depression and related mood disorders.
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