Women and Depression

Women experience depression more often than men do, and for a variety of reasons. Biology may be a factor for some women, but for many others depression is a response to feelings of powerlessness at home, in relationships or in the workplace. Factors that increase the risk of depression for women include:

• Reproductive issues such as infertility, miscarriage, or surgical or early menopause
• Sexual or other physical abuse, including battering, rape or sexual molestation
• Marriage and children
• Poverty or minority status that adds the element of discrimination
• Alcohol, food or drug abuse