There are many different signs of depression in women such as, changes in mood, difficulty sleeping, changes in appetite/weight and fatigue. The very first act of depression in women is to admit you have depression. Admitting “I feel depressed” is a huge step in battling depression. Once you accept the fact that your feeling depressed, then the healing process can begin. For some, it’s a long journey and others, a short one. It just depends on how fast you process the changes that are going to take place. How about we get you back to the old you before depression. So, strap on your seatbelts and let’s go for an informational ride!

Noticeable Changes In Mood

Noticeable changes in mood are one of the primary signs of depression in women. Feelings of sadness, emptiness or hopelessness that persists for weeks or months are women who suffer from depression. I became even more withdrawn than I already had been. That hopelessness sucks the life right out of you. I was begging God to just end my life right away so I didn’t have to feel so empty. It’s more difficult when you’re living by yourself and you have no friends to call. I basically isolated myself from the world. The only person I could depend on was me. Due to the depression, I couldn’t count on myself either. My thoughts were scattered and all over the place.

In women, depression may also present as irritability, agitation, or anger, rather than sadness. Women may be more likely to turn their feelings inward and experience guilt or self-blame, which can further exacerbate their depression symptoms. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can also contribute to changes in mood and increase the risk of depression in women.

Difficulty Sleeping

Difficulty sleeping is a common sign of depression in women. Insomnia and other sleep disturbances are prevalent in people who experience depression and are often considered hallmark features of the condition. People with depression may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or wake up feeling tired even after sleeping for several hours. They may also have nightmares or vivid dreams that disrupt their sleep.

I’m still not sleeping right. Hence, I wake up (when I do sleep) tired. Having poor sleep day after day, puts a strain on your body physically and emotionally. Typing this right now, I could go to sleep even though you’re not supposed to take naps during the day because it will mess up night time sleeping. I sleep better in late morning than I do during the beginning of night time.

Changes In Appetite and Weight

Changes in appetite and weight are common signs of depression in women. Some people with depression may experience a decrease in appetite, resulting in weight loss, while others may have an increase in appetite, leading to weight gain.

The exact connection between depression and changes in appetite and weight is not clear, but it is thought to be related to the way depression affects the brain chemistry that regulates mood, appetite, and energy levels. People with depression may experience alterations in levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which can impact appetite and metabolism.

My body changed in the direction of gaining weight, although I prefer it the other way around. A lot of it has to do with the meds I’m on (especially Zyprexa). I started eating (really craving) ice cream like it was going out of style. However, now I hardly touch the stuff.

Fatigue

Women with depression may experience a persistent lack of energy, even when they have enough sleep and rest. They may feel exhausted and may have trouble completing even everyday tasks, such as getting out of bed, taking a shower, or going to work. Fatigue can make depression worse by reducing a woman’s motivation to seek help or engage in self-care activities.

It is the belief that related to the way that depression affects the body’s stress response system, may cause fatigue. Depression can lead to chronic stress, which can increase levels of the hormone cortisol. Elevated cortisol levels can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate its own energy levels, leading to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

I have no desire to do anything! It’s almost feels like something has sucked the life out of me. Just leave me alone, all I want to do is sleep (so my brain is telling me, but my body says no). I’m so tired of being tired! I have no energy to do anything. Everybody around me might think I’m lazy…no just tired.

Loss Of Interest In Daily Activities

Women with depression may experience a general lack of interest or pleasure in the activities that they normally enjoy. They may also have difficulty feeling motivated to engage in activities or hobbies that they used to find fulfilling. This lack of interest can be pervasive and can even extend to activities that are necessary for daily living, such as eating or dressing oneself.

The exact reason why depression causes loss of interest is not completely clear, but it may be related to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood and motivation. The neurotransmitter dopamine, in lower levels, can effect people with depression and their feelings of pleasure and reward. Negative emotions or self-criticism, associate with extra activity in regions of the brain which can lead to a reduced desire to engage in pleasurable activities.

Physical symptoms

Some physical signs of depression in women may include:

Physical aches and pains: headaches, back pain, muscle pain, and other physical discomforts that have no clear physical cause

Digestive problems: stomach pain, nausea, and other digestive issues

Reduced sex drive: a decrease in sexual desire or arousal

Slowed movement: feeling physically slowed down, speaking more slowly, or moving more slowly than usual

Restlessness: feeling agitated or restless, having difficulty sitting still or relaxing

Physical self-harm: self-harm attempts and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts or attempts.

Difficulty concentrating

Women with depression may experience difficulty staying focused, making decisions, or remembering important information. They may also have trouble starting or finishing tasks and may feel mentally foggy or slowed down.

The exact reason why depression causes difficulty concentrating is not entirely clear, but it may be related to changes in brain chemistry that affect mood and cognitive function. Depression can cause changes in the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, that play a role in regulating attention, memory, and mood. Research also suggests that depression can cause structural changes in the brain, such as shrinking of the hippocampus, which can affect memory and concentration.

It’s taking all my being to concentrate enought to write this post. In actuality, I’m squinting trying to read what I’ve typed so I don’t repeat myself. Plus, the screen is too bright (at this time anyway). Please God, just let me sleep!

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are unfortunately a possible and serious sign of depression in women. It can occur during a depressive episode that the woman is going through. Women with depression may experience feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and may think that life is not worth living.

Suicidal thoughts or ideation can range from fleeting thoughts about death or ending one’s life, to active planning of suicide. In some cases, women with depression may actually attempt suicide. It is important to take these thoughts seriously and to seek professional help.

I invision how I will leave this earth. For the most part, either it’s through natural causes or by my own doing. No, I haven’t been suicidal in a while, I’m just extremely tired. Given that, these gloomy days with no sun are not helping me any. If you ever feel suicidal, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone. You’d be surprised, people are more receptive than you think they are. They are truly there to help. Of course, on the other side of the spectrum, there are those who are consumed by themselves. That’s all I’m going to say!

Therapy For Depression

Probiotics For Depression

Recent research has shown that probiotics may have a role in the treatment of depression. Studies have found that people who took probiotic supplements had a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those who did not take probiotics. The mechanism behind this effect may be related to the gut-brain axis, which is the communication pathway between the gut and the brain.

The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that make up the gut microbiome. The composition of the gut microbiome influences by many factors, including diet, stress, and medications. It has been said that imbalances in the gut microbiome, known as dysbiosis, may contribute to the development of depression and other mental health conditions.

   CBT For Depression

The use for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy, is in use today for the treatment of depression. CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to depression. An interconnection that our thoughts, feelings, and behavior is the basic idea behind CBT. Meaning that changing one can affect the others. CBT for depression typically involves a structured, step-by-step approach that includes the following stages:

Assessment: The therapist works with the client to identify the negative thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to depression.

Goal-setting: The therapist helps the client set achievable goals for improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression.

Education: The therapist provides information about depression and teaches the client strategies to manage symptoms, such as relaxation techniques and stress management skills.

Cognitive restructuring: The therapist helps the client identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to depression, and replace them with more balanced and positive thoughts.

Behavioral activation: The therapist helps the client develop a plan to increase pleasurable activities and social interactions, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

Maintenance and relapse prevention: The therapist helps the client develop strategies to maintain progress and prevent relapse.

Best Antidepressant For Women

Using different types of antidepressants for treatment of depression in women, include: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and finally, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
It’s important to note that every person may respond differently to different medications and that finding the right medication can take time and involve some trial and error.

That’s probably one of the hardest parts of depression, is finding the one medicine that is going to work for you. Too bad there isn’t just one pill that works for everybody. Life would be so much simpler if there was a “happy pill.” Wishfull thinking.

Conclusion

Overcoming depression is attainable with dedication to improve yourself. Living with depression is also attainable with the right therapy whether it be with antidepressants or CBT. Women are very resourceful when it comes to leading a life of abundance. No one can knock us down for very long, right? We fight with all out might to overcome depression. If you’re stuck on the other side, just reach out to someone. You would be surprised how many women are experiencing what you are going through. It’s nice to find camaraderie. With that being said, I’m going to head out and until next time…(stay safe).

Articles

-Use of Antidepressants among Patients Diagnosed with Depression: A Scoping Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7984896/

-Depression In Women: Understanding The Gender Gap

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression/art-20047725

-Overprescribed Medications for US Adults: Four Major Examples

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6731049/

Have a Good One,

Cindee Murphy, One Voice – Unstoppable

“You’re not alone!”