Learn to Know the Signs of Depression and Treatments For Depressed Women

Did you know that women are twice as likely to experience a period of major depression in their life than men? Depression may occur among women from all walks of life and of all ages. Depression may be one of the conditions that represent the biggest burden to women in the world.

What is the burden of major depression? This serious condition decreases a woman's social, mental and physical ability to function in the environment in which she lives. This is bad since women perform various critical functions in the social, family and business world.

Women developing depression disorder do not always exhibit the same symptoms. Here are a few signs of depression to give you a general idea:

* Physical symptoms such as unexplained pains, headaches or digestive problems
* Restlessness and irritability
* Reoccurring feelings of sadness, guilt and worthlessness
* Negative thoughts and pessimistic attitudes
* Loss of appetite or eating too much
* Constant fatigue
* Concentration problems
* Sleeping too much or too little (sleep disorders)
* Suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt

Antidepressant medication is a common way to treat woman suffering from depression. Many women may find relief although it is estimated that almost a third do not respond well to treatment with antidepressant medication. They may find a solution to their problems in psychotherapy. Clinical trials has found that the following types of psychotherapy are effective in treating depressed women:

* Interpersonal therapies
* Cognitive behavioral therapy
* Marital and family counseling

Depressed women often have to cope with negative thoughts and thinking styles. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help them to overcome this problem. Other popular natural remedies for depression may include the following:

* Herbs such as St. John's Wort
* Exercise
* Meditation and relaxation
* Acupuncture

I have also read about a study that suggested that depressed women may have up to 30% more sex than women who do not suffer from depression. A possible reason for this may be that having sex helps them to feel more loved and secure. However, sex should not be seen as a possible treatment for depression. Keep in mind that a decline in sexual desire and activity may also occur in some women.

Women are unique entities and there are biological, hormonal and social factors that may explain the higher incidence of depressive disorders amongst this group. Women are particular susceptible to depression in the weeks after childbirth due to physical and hormonal changes. Having to care for a helpless baby may also add more stress to an already stressed body and mind. It is no wonder that certain women develop postpartum depression.