Women and Depression

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Annually, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) specifically raises awareness of mental illness. During my past role as Mental Health Chairman for my sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Xi Omega Chapter, I worked closely with NAMI to develop community events, which bring awareness about mental illness to the community. Sadly, there is a stigma about mental illness and part of my mission as the founder of Professor Brown, LLC and an adjunct professor of psychology is to erase stigma surrounding mental illness and decrease suffering amongst women who live with depression.

Women are truly the heart of the home and often wear many hats. Nevertheless, to monitor mental health and avoid depression, women must strive to care for themselves first.  Self-care is not selfish, but truly a necessity to maintaining optimal mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), “1 in 8 women experiences depression in their lifetime; twice the rate as men, regardless of race or ethnic background.”

What is depression?

Feeling sad, blue, or down is a natural response to life challenges. For example, the loss of a loved one in death or divorce can trigger sadness, despondency, or a negative mood.  However, when the negative mood and feelings escalate to an inability to function optimally, depression is possible.  

Causes of depression?

Ironically, there is no one reason why some women experience the above challenges resulting in depression and others do not.  According to NAMI, factors and symptoms for women experiencing depression are:

Factors

  • genetic and biological

  • reproductive

  • hormonal

  • abuse and oppression

  • interpersonal

  • certain psychological characteristics

  • personality characteristics

Symptoms

  • anxiety

  • somatization (the physical expression of mental distress)

  • increases in weight and appetite

  • oversleeping

  • outwardly expressed anger and hostility

Treatment

  • psychotherapy

  • antidepressants medications

Implementing a plan

Women who believe they are depressed can start by journaling and talking with a trustworthy friend. Next, talking with a primary care physician is another option for discussing symptoms and signs of depression. A primary care physician can determine if antidepressants are needed and can provide referrals to mental health professionals, and support groups. Additional information on women and depression is available at www.nami.org. Finally, the good news is—depression in women is highly treatable.