Depression

Women's Mental Health Home > Mental Health Conditions > Depression

Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood, and thoughts. About twice as many women suffer from depression as men. People who are depressed may feel hopeless, worthless, very sad, and have no energy or interest in doing anything. Some people describe depression as an "empty, or sad feeling that won't go away." This kind of depression that does not go away is called "clinical depression." It is different from feeling "blue" or down for a few hours or a couple of days.

Many things cause depression. Depression can run in families. Changes in your brain chemistry and living through painful and difficult events in your life can cause depression. Sometimes depression is caused by certain medications people take for cancer, arthritis, heart problems, and high blood pressure. Some illnesses such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and hormonal problems can cause depression.

Most people with depression get better when they get treatment. Depression is a serious illness that needs to be treated. It's not your fault that you are depressed, and you can get better.

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Additional Resources

Publications

Age Page: Depression — This fact sheet explains the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and provides information on prevention and getting help.
http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/depression.htm
Depression During and After Pregnancy: A Resource for Women, Their Families, and Friends — This booklet provides information on depression during and after pregnancy, addressing a broad range of physical and emotional struggles that pregnant and postpartum women and their families face. The booklet focuses on the possible causes of perinatal depression, how to identify it, what to do, and how it can affect your baby and your family. It also discusses the differences between “baby blues,” perinatal depression, and postpartum psychosis.
http://www.mchb.hrsa.gov/pregnancyandbeyond/depression/
Fact Sheet — Depression — This fact sheet offers information on depression, its symptoms and causes, how it is treated, and where to get help.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression.cfm
Fact Sheet — Depression During and After Pregnancy — This publication discusses depression during and after pregnancy, what might cause it, symptoms you may experience, and how it is treated. It also explains how untreated depression can negatively affect your life.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/depression-pregnancy.cfm
Mental Health Services Locator — This Internet site will help you locate mental health treatment facilities and support services in your state.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/databases/default.asp
Mood Disorders — This fact sheet provides information about 2 of the most common mood disorders: depression and bipolar disorder.
http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/ken98-0049/default.asp
St. John's Wort and Depression — This fact sheet has information about St. John's Wort, a popular herb being used by the public today to treat mild depression. This publication includes information on the FDA's role to monitor the use of this herb, how St. John's Wort works, how it is used to treat depression, and a drug interaction advisory.
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/sjw-and-depression.htm
Women and Depression: Discovering Hope — This brochure explains the different types of depression and mania and their causes, symptoms, and treatment. It specifically addresses the unique aspects of depression in women in relation to adolescence, relationships, reproductive lifecycle, cultural considerations, victimization, poverty, and aging.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/women-and-depression-discovering-hope/depression-what-every-wom...
Antidepressants: What You Need to Know About Depression Medication (Copyright © HelpGuide.org) — This publication describes how antidepressants work, including information about effectiveness and withdrawal. It lists the different types of antidepressants available and also describes the available treatment alternatives.
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/medications_depression.htm
Depression and Women's Health: Depression Through the Ages & Stages of a Woman's Life (Copyright © Eli Lilly and Company) — This guide discusses the different life stages and situations that could trigger depression. Special emphasis is placed on the changing role of supportive networks, as well as tips for each stage of life. Key chapters include young women and depression (20s-early 40s), the menopause transition (mid-40s-50s), and older women and depression (60-69).
http://www.supportpartnersprogram.com/pdf/ages_stages_guide_final.pdf
Depression in Women (Copyright © Mental Health America) — This fact sheet provides statistical information comparing the experience of depression in women versus men. It informs women on the causes and symptoms of depression and where to seek help.
http://mentalhealthamerica.net/index.cfm?objectid=C7DF952E-1372-4D20-C8A3DDCD5459D07B...
Late-Life Depression (Copyright © NARSAD) — Depression can occur at any age, but symptoms in older persons often go overlooked and unchecked. This fact sheet describes the causes, symptoms, and treatments of late-life depression.
http://www.narsad.org/userFiles/facts.latelifedep.pdf
Signs and Symptoms of Mood Disorders (Copyright © Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance) — If you think you might have depression or bipolar disorder, this fact sheet will help guide you through the first steps of the diagnosis process. If you experience the symptoms listed here, you may want to talk with your doctor about depression or bipolar disorder.
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Signs_symptoms

Organizations

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