O ne in five women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime. Regardless of age, race, or income - clinical depression can occur in any woman, and can be serious enough to lead to suicide. Many people understand that clinical depression causes sadness and withdrawal. But depression can also cause anxiety, irritability, fatigue and changes in eating and sleeping habits. Depressed people often feel worthless or hopeless, and may experience physical symptoms as well, including chronic pain.
Women are more than twice as likely as men to experience clinical depression.
Additionally, social reasons, such as greater stresses from work and family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women, and even the increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty among women may lead to higher rates of clinical depression. The good news is that clinical depression is a very treatable medical illness. Women with clinical depression need to know that successful treatments are available. It is normal to feel sadness or upset at times of the death of a loved one, from a divorce and in times of illness. Too much work or troubles at home can be stressful.