Woman = Depressed? I think NOT!

ALERT! ALERT! ALERT! Depression is NOT a normal part of being a woman. Contrary to common beliefs, it is not normal to be depressed after giving birth, during PMS, while going through menopause, or as part of aging.   Although women experience or report clinical depression more than men, we’re often too embarrassed or ashamed to seek help though it’s readily available and effective.  What’s up with that?

What causes depression in women and why are we more prone to it than men?  That’s not a simple answer, but it appears to have to do with a mixture of our biology, family genetic history, stress from multiple roles and responsibilities, low self-esteem, pessimism, sexual discrimination, a history of sexual and/or physical abuse, lack of social support, and poverty.  Women also seek help and report classic symptoms of depression more often than men who often “don’t want to talk about it” or mask their depression with addictions to substances or activities, such as work, gambling, or sex.

How do you know if you’re suffering a biological depression and need medication?  When I am meeting with a woman (or a man) who’s main complaint is depression, I look to see if their symptoms are more likely to be a result of brain chemistry or if the depression is a result of past or present life situations, loss, or trauma.  I take a history that asks if anyone in the immediate family has ever suffered from or been treated for depression (or alcoholism). I also ask if you’ve suffered depression earlier in life and review the circumstances of your life at the time.  If you have taken medication for depression before and found it to be helpful, that also suggests your depression might be because of brain chemistry gone awry.  People who are suffering depression as a result of life circumstances tend to say that they couldn’t tell if an anti-depressant was helping.  People whose depression is biological say, “Hallelujah! Where have you been all my life?” to their medication.  Finally, if the circumstances of your life are good and you continue to have a “good cry” in my office week after week and you don’t feel any better, I would suggest you talk to your physician or a specialist to discuss whether an anti-depressant would help you.  In cases of clinical depression, the most effective treatment is a combination of counseling and either temporary or permanent use of medication, depending on the type of depression you have. 

On the other hand, mild to moderate depression or intermittent depressive symptoms can be a result of life problems, loss, and stress.  Taking a pill won’t change your life circumstances, bring back a loved one, or reduce your stress.  This type of depression is best treated in counseling, which will provide you with support to deal with loss or trauma or help you develop the skills needed to make changes in your life.

You may contact Dr. Vaillancourt at
(618) 549-5935 for help with depression
Please visit my website at http://www.GotStressGetHelp.com
Email address: DrAnnette@hughes.net

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 Copyright © 2005 Annette Vaillancourt, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.