Depression is a Serious Health Concern for Women

Classically thought of as “just part of being female”, depression is actually a very serious and potentially deadly illness that affects approximately 12 million women each year regardless of age, race, religion, income or social status.

Depression is misdiagnosed in women approximately 30 to 50 percent of the time and nearly twice as many women as men suffer from depression though less than half will ever seek care. With an 80 percent success rate, depression is a very treatable medical illness, but many women suffer in silence.

• More than one-half of women believe it is “normal” for a woman to be depressed during menopause and that treatment is not necessary.

• More than one-half of women believe depression is a “normal part of aging.”

• More than one-half believe it is normal for a mother to feel depressed for at least two weeks after giving birth.

• More than one-half of women cited denial as a barrier to treatment while 41% of women surveyed cited embarrassment or shame as barriers to treatment.

Some symptoms of depression include:

• A persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

• Sleeping too little, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much

• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Restlessness or irritability

• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

• Fatigue or loss of energy

• Thoughts of death or suicide

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, contact 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784- 2433) or www.hopeline.com. If someone you know is about to take their own life, call 911.

Women who suspect they may be suffering from depression are encouraged to seek
professional help. You don’t have to “just suffer through it”. Help is available.

For more information on depression:

National Mental Health Association
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 12th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone (703) 684-7722
www.nmha.org

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 8184,
MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
(866) 615-6464 (toll free)
www.nimh.nih.gov

Families for Depression Awareness
118 Waltham Street, Second Floor
Watertown, MA 02472-4808
(617) 924-9383
www.familyaware.org

Information for this article was taken from the National Mental Health Association web site
www.nmha.org.

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