Signs Of Depression In Women
Females seem to be more likely than males to experience depression, probably due to biological, hormonal and social factors, and some of the signs of depression may differ between the sexes. For example, women with depression may be more likely than men to experience the symptoms of excessive guilt and anxiety.
Other signs of depression that may be more likely to be present in women include:
- Increased appetite
- Sleeping too much
- Lack of energy
Some types of depression are unique to women. These include depression experienced as part of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and perimenopausal depression. Perinatal depression, including postpartum depression, is strongly associated with women, though new parents of any gender can experience it. Women experiencing symptoms of depression are advised to consult a medical practitioner about treatment options, including psychotherapy and medication.
Bipolar I And Ii Disorders
Bipolar disorders can cause individuals to suffer from mood swings, which range from hypomania or mania to major depression. Trained health professionals can sometimes struggle to tell the difference between bipolar disorders and major depressive disorder since most people do not visit their doctors when they experience hypomanic moods. An affected individual often only seeks treatment when he experiences a depressed mood.
Warning Signs Of Major Depression
Heres what to look out for in people you love .
1. Not caring about the things that used to excite you. If you havent bothered to tune in to The Mandalorian yet even though you were president of your local Boba Fett fan club and have watched every Star Wars movie 10 times, thats a warning sign. Used to be an avid vegan chef and yogi but now youre into lying on the couch eating potato chips? Thats another check mark.
2.Transforming into a Negative Nancy/ Ned/ Nat. If your first reaction to any question is to just say noand you can think of five reasons why everything will go wrong in every situationMDD is a possibility. Research shows that people with major depressive disorder generally have a more negative view of the future.
3.Avoiding your friends and family. Do you find yourself ducking social situations because you feel like you just cant muster the energy to hold up your end of a conversation or even smile and pretend youre having a good time? People with depression tend to socially isolate themselves, which studies say is twice as harmful to physical and mental health as obesity.
4.A change in your eating habits. Do you notice feeling hungrier or weighing more ? Some people with depression turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite because they feel numb or apathetic. Plus, studies have found that excess fat is linked to increased inflammation, which could play a part in causing depression in the first place.
You May Like: Meal Plan For Anxiety And Depression
When Should I Call The Doctor
Call a healthcare provider if your child has any signs of depression or anxiety. If your child is showing signs of suicide, get help right away. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800.273.8255. This hotline connects you to a national network of local crisis centers for free and confidential emotional support. The centers support people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In an emergency, call 911.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
While it may be difficult to watch your child dealing with depression or anxiety, help is available. The right treatment can ensure your child continues to grow and thrive throughout their development. In addition to medical help, you can support your child by making sure they have a healthy environment at home, at school and in the community. Always let your child know they can communicate openly and honestly about their feelings.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/17/2020.
References
Recognizing The Signs Of Depression
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that can confound physicians and mental healthcare providers. Factors such as genetics, past traumas, brain chemistry, medical problems, and temperament can all contribute to major depressive disorder . Although most people experience the blues from time to time in response to a specific life event, clinically diagnosed depression is different.
The DSM-5 lists diagnostic criteria including nine depression symptoms, of which two or more must be present most of the time for over two weeks. These symptoms include:
A doctor should see individuals who consistently exhibit some of these symptoms for more than two weeks.
You May Like: How Do You Know If You Are Suffering With Depression
When To Seek Professional Help
If support from family and friends and positive lifestyle changes arent enough, it may be time to seek help from a mental health professional. There are many effective treatments for depression, including:
Therapy. Consulting a therapist can provide you tools to treat depression from a variety of angles and motivate you to take the action necessary. Therapy can also offer you the skills and insight to prevent the problem from coming back.
Atypical Depression: Whats in a Name? Article on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of atypical depression.
Depression and Other Illnesses An overview of the mental and physical illnesses that often co-exist with depression, and how this impacts treatment.
Depression support & suicide prevention help
Depression support
In the U.S.: Find DBSA Chapters/Support Groups or call the NAMI Helpline for support and referrals at 1-800-950-6264
UK: Find Depression support groups in-person and online or call the Mind Infoline at 0300 123 3393
Australia: Find Support Groups and regional resources or call the SANE Help Centre at 1800 18 7263
India: Call the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline at 1860 2662 345 or 1800 2333 330
Suicide prevention help
In the U.S.: Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
UK and Ireland: Call Samaritans UK at 116 123
Australia: Call Lifeline Australia at 13 11 14
Other countries: Visit IASP or International Suicide Hotlines to find a helpline near you
Urgent Advice: Get Advice From 111 Or Ask For An Urgent Gp Appointment If:
- you are not able to speak to your local NHS urgent mental health helpline
- you need help urgently for your mental health, but it’s not an emergency
- you’re not sure what to do
111 will tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Use the NHS 111 online service, or call .
You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.
A GP can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services. You may be able to refer yourself to some services.
Recommended Reading: Partial Hospitalization Program For Depression
Indicators Of Depression In Preschool
When youre dispirited, you can also experience brain haze, McKernan says. You may really feel completely depleted yet at the same time, keyed up and also on side. In this guide, youll discover answers to the most typical concerns inquired about assisted living. This guide warning signs of severe depression will certainly address questions you might have about the expenses of assisted living and recommend sources to assist you pay for it. Determining to help a loved one change to an elderly living choice is not a very easy choice.
How Does Psychotherapy Work
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that can treat anxiety or depression in children. CBT helps children learn to think more positively and control negative behaviors. It can also help children manage anxiety by getting to the root of their fears and worries. Therapy gives children tools to cope with anxiety and depression in healthier ways.
Recommended Reading: Can Depression Be Cured Permanently
Are There Other Therapies To Treat Symptoms Of Depression
There are other treatments your doctor may consider. Electroconvulsive therapy, or ECT, is a treatment option for people whose symptoms don’t get better with medicine or who have severe depression and need treatment right away.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS, involves using a noninvasive device that is held above the head to induce the magnetic field. It targets a specific part of the brain that can trigger depression.
With vagus nerve stimulation, or VMS, a pacemaker-like device is surgically implanted under the collarbone to deliver regular impulses to the brain.
Risk Factors That Can Make You More Vulnerable
Depression most often results from a combination of factors, rather than one single cause. For example, if you went through a divorce, were diagnosed with a serious medical condition, or lost your job, the stress could prompt you to start drinking more, which in turn could cause you to withdraw from family and friends. Those factors combined could then trigger depression.
The following are examples of risk factors that can make you more susceptible:
Loneliness and isolation. Theres a strong relationship between loneliness and depression. Not only can lack of social support heighten your risk, but having depression can cause you to withdraw from others, exacerbating feelings of isolation. Having close friends or family to talk to can help you maintain perspective on your issues and avoid having to deal with problems alone.
. While a network of strong and supportive relationships can be crucial to good mental health, troubled, unhappy, or abusive relationships can have the opposite effect and increase your risk for depression.
Recent stressful life experiences. Major life changes, such as a bereavement, divorce, unemployment, or financial problems can often bring overwhelming levels of stress and increase your risk of developing depression.
Chronic illness or pain. Unmanaged pain or being diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, can trigger feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Also Check: What Are The Characteristics Of Depression
Signs Of Depression In Men
While men are less likely than women to experience depression, it is still a serious health problem that affects a large number of males. Men are statistically less likely to acknowledge their depression or seek help and treatment. Furthermore, men with depression are at a greater risk of suicide than women, which may be related to problematic societal norms and pressures.
Signs of depression in men may include:
- Irritability or anger
- Behavioral changes, e.g. becoming controlling or violent
- Tiredness
- Loss of interest in work, family or hobbies
- Difficulty sleeping
- Physical symptoms, such as headaches, chronic pain and digestive problems
- Substance abuse including alcohol
- Risk-taking, e.g. unsafe driving or unsafe sex
Despite a loss of interest in work or loss of concentration and attention, some men with depression may work longer hours than usual, possibly to avoid showing signs of the condition.
While the signs of depression may differ slightly between men and women, treatment is generally the same and typically includes talking to a mental health professional and taking antidepressant medication where recommended. Men experiencing symptoms of depression are advised to consult a medical practitioner. If you think that you might have signs of depression, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Signs Of Depression Faqs
Q: What are the first signs of depression?A: Any of the symptoms of depression listed above, including persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable, and excessive guilt or feelings of being worthless, may serve as âwarning signsâ for a depressive episode coming on. Additionally, research suggests that a person might experience other early symptoms that indicate the onset of depression, known as a prodrome, in the days, weeks or months before becoming depressed. During the prodrome, the following symptoms may be present:
- A vague sense of emotional discomfort, which may be expressed as âsomething not being rightâ
- Anxiety, sadness or irritability
- Loss of interest and motivation
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances, e.g. insomnia or sleeping a lot more than usual
These symptoms may be mistakenly attributed to external factors such as bad weather or stress. If a person thinks that they may be experiencing a depressive phase, it is recommended that they speak to a healthcare provider.
Q: What are the physical signs of depression?A: Physical symptoms of depression may include:
- Feeling tired a lot
- Restlessness or difficulty keeping still
- Unplanned weight loss or gain
Q: Depression and irritability: what is the connection?A: Persistent irritability can be a sign of depression in some people. A person might also be angry a lot and/or experience several of the other symptoms described above.
Also Check: Natural Remedies Depression And Memory Loss
Difficulty Getting Out Of Bed
Its normal to enjoy sleeping in or spending time in bed. However, if it has become difficult to find the motivation to get out of bed or get ready in the morning, this could be a sign of depression. Depression can make us feel fatigued and physically drained to the point where even small tasks, like getting up in the morning, can feel exhausting or difficult to do.
Should I Worry That My Child Will Commit Suicide
National surveys from the government show the overall risk. In 2019, for example, nearly 9% of high school students attempted suicide at least once over the course of a year. Thinking about suicide also continued to rise from previous years . Although less common, young children do attempt suicide as well.
Watch your child closely for the warning signs of suicidal behavior, including:
- Focus on death and dying.
- Giving away possessions.
- Combination of the two.
Recommended Reading: Difference Between Crippling Depression And Depression
Depression And Suicide Risk
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. Deep despair and hopelessness can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. If you have a loved one with depression, take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously and watch for the warning signs:
- Talking about killing or harming ones self.
- Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped.
- An unusual preoccupation with death or dying.
- Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish .
- Getting affairs in order .
- Saying things like Everyone would be better off without me, or I want out.
- A sudden switch from being extremely down to acting calm and happy.
If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek help immediately. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If you are feeling suicidal
When youre feeling suicidal, your problems dont seem temporarythey seem overwhelming and permanent. But with time, you will feel better, especially if you get help. There are many people who want to support you during this difficult time, so please reach out!
ReadSuicide Help, call 1-800-273-TALK in the U.S., or visit IASP or Suicide.org to find a helpline in your country.
Signs Of Perimenopausal Depression
During perimenopause â the transition to menopause â some women may experience depression. To an extent, mood swings, sleep difficulties and physical symptoms like hot flashes may be normal during this time, but anxiety, irritability, extreme sadness and other depressive symptoms may be signs of perimenopausal depression. If you think that you might have signs of depression, try using the Ada app to find out more about your symptoms.
Also Check: Major Depressive Disorder Medication List
Major Or Clinical Depression
Major depression is much less common than mild or moderate and is characterized by severe, relentless symptoms.
- Left untreated, major depressive disorder typically lasts for about six months.
- Some people experience just a single depressive episode in their lifetime, but major depression can be a recurring disorder.
When Is It Not Major Depressive Disorder
Guys are statistically less likely to acknowledge their depression or look for assistance as well as treatment. Moreover, males with depression are at a higher threat of self-destruction than females, which might be related to problematic societal warning signs of severe depression norms and pressures. Research study has shown that there is not one solitary reason for depression, but, rather, it is a mix of emotional, hereditary, biological, as well as ecological adding factors.
Each drug class functions differently and may have different threats and advantages. Medicines can take between warning signs of severe depression 2 to 4 weeks, or much longer, to function. To be detected with SAD, people need to have depression that accompanies the seasons for at the very least two years.
Recommended Reading: Where To Go To Get Diagnosed With Depression
Does Depression Affect Children
Depression can affect people of any age, including children. Although children naturally have mood swings as they grow and develop, depression is different. The disorder can affect how children interact with friends and family. It may prevent them from enjoying school, sports, hobbies or other normal childhood activities.
In children, depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. Anxiety is a medical condition that causes feelings of fear, panic or worry about everyday situations. Sometimes, depression or anxiety in children gets chalked up to growing pains. But if you have any concerns about behavioral or mental health, talk to a healthcare provider.
What Triggers Depression And Stress And Anxiety In Youngsters
It additionally tends to concentrate a lot more on the individuals instant problems, as well as has an additional social and also social focus. In a meta-analysis of 3 controlled trials of Brief Psychodynamic Supportive Psychiatric therapy, this alteration was discovered to be as effective as medicine for light to modest depression. Depression with nervous distress was included right into the DSM-5 as a means to highlight the usual warning signs of depression in older adults co-occurrence in between depression or mania as well as anxiousness, in addition to the threat of self-destruction of clinically depressed people with stress and anxiety. Specifying in such a method can additionally assist with the prognosis of those diagnosed with a depressive or bipolar disorder. As a whole, though, your path onward will likely include some type of therapy, medication, or both.
Also Check: Why Is It Hard To Shower When Depressed