Women and Depression: Know the Signs
The holidays can be a tough time. If sadness is interfering with daily life, you may have depression. Know the signs and seek help.
Dec 22, 2016
Apr 15, 2021
Self-Care & Mental HealthBeth brings a unique combination of sharp business expertise and women's health insight to her leadership of the organization. Beth has worked in the health care industry for more than 25 years helping to define and drive public education programs on a broad range of women's health issues. She launched and has expanded the HealthyWomen.org brand. As a result of her leadership, HealthyWomen was recognized as one of the top 100 women's health web sites by Forbes for three consecutive years, and was recognized by Oprah magazine as one of the top women's health web sites. HealthyWomen now connects to millions of women across the country through its wide program distribution and innovative use of technology.
Beth is responsible for the business development and strategic positioning of HealthyWomen. She creates partnerships with key health care professionals and consumer groups to provide strategic, engaging and informative award-winning programs. She serves as the organization's chief spokesperson, regularly participating in corporate, non-profit, community and media events. She also is a practicing nurse in maternal child health at Riverview Medical Center- Hackensack Meridian Health, in Red Bank, NJ.
In addition to her nursing degree, Beth holds degrees in political science, business and public administration from Marymount University.
To stay sane, she loves to run and compete in road races. She enjoys skiing and sailing with her husband and young son, and welcoming new babies into the world.
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The holidays may look sparkly and magical, but for many women, the shimmering surface often belies feelings buried deep beneath: depression.
It might be tough to admit that you're depressed and sad, especially around this time of year, when everyone around you seems to be happily celebrating, bursting with excitement and enthusiasm. Decorations gleam, gifts beckon, parties abound, resolutions are made, and friends and family are all around.
But, it's important to know this: You are far from alone. Holiday time, for many people, often makes them feel depressed and drained of enthusiasm and energy, like the Grinch has grabbed them.
In a survey we conducted about a decade ago, we found that two-thirds of women reported feeling depressed during the holidays. Some possible reasons? Feeling like you "should" be happy; comparing yourself with others; social isolation; seasonal depression in cold, dark winter months; and financial burdens.
While it's normal to feel sad from time to time, depression is different. It's unrelenting and interferes with daily life and functioning. You can't just "snap out of it," and you shouldn't consider it a weakness or character flaw.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, women are 70 percent more likely than men to experience depression, a result of the combination of biology, lifestyle, hormones and interpersonal relationships. And studies and surveys have found that women are much more likely to seek help for depression (and many other psychological problems) than are men, who might feel that it is a sign of weakness or vulnerability.
Left untreated, depression takes a huge toll on your health and on your friends and family and puts you at an increased risk for suicide.
Know the symptoms. And if you are depressed, reach out for help. The National Institute of Mental Health highlights what to look for:
Fortunately, depression responds well to treatment, and there are a variety available, including medications, psychotherapy, brain stimulation therapy, light therapy, exercise, acupuncture, meditation, guided imagery, nutrition, faith and prayer.
For more information on depression:
Have You Been Screened for Depression?
A Closer Look at Treatments for Depression
Depression: It's Not Only in Your Head
American Psychological Association
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline