Depression is more common in women than it is in men, and it can affect them in a different way. If you feel like you might be struggling with depression, or if you are worried about a woman you know, see if you can recognize the early signs of depression in women. If you do notice these signs of depression, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a therapist, either for yourself or for someone you care about.
Here are the early signs of depression in women:
Sign #1: Failing to maintain her appearance
If a woman suddenly stops caring about her appearance, it could be one of the earliest signs of depression in women. When a woman who usually wears makeup and pays attention to her hair and to the clothes she wears stops maintaining her appearance with no explanation, it probably means something is wrong.
Sign #2: Neglecting her family
A woman who starts to neglect her partner, her children, or even her pet is probably going through some hardships. It could simply mean that she is feeling tired and overwhelmed. But if it persists, it could be a sign that she is depressed, as depression often makes it difficult to care about anyone and anything. In some cases, the depression becomes so severe that it may lead to a broken marriage and subsequent divorce.
Sign #3: Having an unhealthy sleep pattern
Depression can turn someone into an insomniac, or it can make then want to stay in bed all day long. When a woman starts having an unusual and unhealthy sleep pattern, it could be one of the signs of depression in women. Lacking sleep, or sleeping too much, can even worsen the symptoms of depression.
Sign #4: Constantly having low energy
Being depressed is stressful and exhausting. If a woman seems to be running low on energy, even if she spends a lot of time sleeping, it can be a sign that depression is present. Something is definitely wrong when a woman who is usually dynamic suddenly seems lethargic and lacks motivation.
Sign #5: Loosing interest
Another sign of depression is when a woman looses interest in all the things she used to love, whether it’s going to work, practicing her hobbies, hanging out with her friends, or even watching her favourite television series. Depression makes it impossible to be passionate about the things that usually make us feel alive and enthusiastic.
Sign #6: Having trouble focusing
Women who are depressed have trouble focusing on conversations, on their job, or on any tasks they might have to do. Depression makes it difficult to concentrate on anything at all, which means a depressed woman will have a hard time trying to distract herself from her negative thoughts, and feelings of emptiness and exhaustion.
Sign #7: Having an irregular menstrual cycle
Depression can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. If a woman who usually has a very regular cycle notices a change, it could be a sign that she is depressed. Of course, irregular menstruations alone don’t mean that a woman is depressed, but they could indicate another hormonal issue. It could be a good idea to see a doctor.
Sign #8: Gaining or losing a lot of weight
Depression can make women lose appetite, or it can make them eat way too much, as if they were trying to get rid of a dreadful feeling of emptiness. When a woman rapidly gains or loses a lot of weight, it could be a sign that she is depressed. Unhealthy eating habits should be something to worry about.
Sign #9: Being extremely irritable
It’s perfectly normal to feel irritable once in a while. Being tired or stressed out can influence our mood in a negative way. But when a woman is constantly irritable and angry, to a point where it starts to damage her relationships with others, it could be a sign that she is suffering from the signs of depression in women.
Sign #10: Complaining a lot
A woman who is used to complaining a lot will probably complain even more than usual if she is depressed. But it’s definitely not normal for a woman who is always positive and seeing the best in everyone and everything to start complaining endlessly, and to constantly make negative remarks.
Sign #11: Lacking sexual desire
Different factors can cause a weak libido in women. However, if a woman lacks sexual desire on top of being sad, lethargic or irritable, it could be a sign that she is depressed. When a woman who usually has a satisfying sex life starts losing interest in sex, she is probably struggling with the common signs of depression in women.
Sign #12: Having suicidal thoughts
Finally, having suicidal thoughts is a sign that a woman is depressed. Low self-esteem, lack of enthusiasm, and feelings of emptiness and hopelessness can lead a woman to believe that suicide would be the only way to take her pain away. Suicidial thoughts are one of the most severe warning signs of depression in women.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or if someone you know is feeling suicidal, please seek professional help as soon as possible. Suicide is never the answer.
