5 Signs of Depression in Women

When people think of depression, classic signs like sadness, fatigue, or loss of interest in activities usually come to mind. However, depression can show up in many ways, especially for women, and some symptoms go unnoticed or unmentioned. Recognizing these less-talked-about signs can help you get the right support sooner.

1. Irritability and Anger

Irritability and anger are often overlooked as signs of depression in women. Many women are conditioned to hide emotions like sadness but may express them through irritability or snapping at loved ones. Depression doesn’t always look like being sad or withdrawn; sometimes, it comes out as short tempers and mood swings.

Suggestion: If you or someone you care about is showing more frequent anger or irritability, it might be time to check in with a therapist or counselor. Talking through these emotions can help uncover the underlying depression and provide coping strategies that are specific to this experience.

2. Physical Pain Without a Clear Cause

Depression doesn’t just affect the mind; it can also cause physical symptoms. Many women report headaches, stomachaches, or unexplained muscle pain when they are depressed. These symptoms often go untreated because they may be mistaken for other medical conditions. In reality, chronic pain with no clear physical cause could be a sign that depression is impacting the body as well as the mind.

Suggestion: Pay attention to any persistent physical discomfort that can’t be explained by other health issues. A doctor or mental health professional can help determine whether these symptoms might be linked to depression and suggest ways to manage them.

3. Changes in Appetite or Weight

While it's widely known that depression can affect eating habits, it’s not always clear how. Some women may eat much more than usual, while others might lose their appetite entirely. These changes can lead to noticeable shifts in weight, which may go unnoticed in conversations about depression.

Suggestion: If you notice shifts in your eating patterns that don’t feel normal to you—whether it’s overeating, undereating, or fluctuating weight—consider speaking to a therapist. Changes in appetite are common with depression, and a mental health professional can help work through these feelings and develop healthier eating patterns.

4. Difficulty Making Decisions

Everyone struggles with making decisions from time to time, but women with depression may experience this more often. It could be as simple as not knowing what to wear or what task to tackle first, but it can also apply to larger life decisions. The constant second-guessing and feelings of being overwhelmed can take a toll and often aren’t linked to depression right away. The mental exhaustion of making choices is another way that depression affects women differently.

Suggestion: If decision-making feels particularly draining, it might help to explore why. A therapist can offer techniques to break decisions into smaller, more manageable parts, helping to reduce the overwhelming feelings that come with depression.

5. Feeling Numb or Disconnected

Depression in women can sometimes show up as feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from life. This numbness can make it hard to enjoy things, even activities that once brought happiness. Often, this sense of detachment is mistaken for being lazy or unmotivated. However, detachment is a significant sign of depression that should be addressed.

Suggestion: If you or someone you know feels emotionally flat or disconnected, it’s important to seek help. Therapy can help you reconnect with your emotions and begin to feel more engaged in life again.

Conclusion

Depression in women often shows up in ways that don’t always fit the typical narrative. It’s more than just feeling sad—it can show through irritability, physical pain, changes in appetite, decision-making challenges, or emotional numbness. If you can relate to any of these symptoms, contact my office to learn more about depression therapy and to talk with a therapist who can help you manage it!