Certain types of depression are unique to women.
Certain types of depression occur at specific stages of a woman’s life. Pregnancy, the postpartum period, the menstrual cycle, and perimenopause are associated with physical and hormonal changes that can bring on a depressive episode in some women.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a more intense form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, that occurs in the weeks before menstruation. The disorder causes severe symptoms, such as depressed mood, anger or irritability, suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, bloating, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain.
- Perinatal depression occurs during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is more than the “baby blues” many new moms experience after giving birth. Women with perinatal depression feel extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue that may make it difficult to carry out daily tasks, including caring for themselves or others. Learn more about perinatal depression at www.nimh.nih.gov/perinataldepression.
- Perimenopausal depression affects some women during the transition to menopause. Whereas abnormal periods, problems sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes are common during the menopause transition, more extreme feelings of irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment may be signs of depression.
You can get help for depression.
Even the most severe depression can be treated.
Common treatments are antidepressant medication, talk therapy (virtual or in person), or a combination of medication and therapy.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” for treatment. It may take trial and error to find the best one for you. A health care provider can explain the different options and help you choose the best treatment based on your symptoms. With help, you can feel better.
For more information on treatments for depression, visit www.nimh.nih.gov/depression.
Find additional resources
The following agencies have more information on depression in women:
• Depression (Office on Women’s Health)
www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/ mental-health-conditions/depression
- Depression Among Women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression - Women and Depression (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
www.fda.gov/consumers/women/women- - and-depression
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration provides an online resource for finding mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov.
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