Q & A: Women and Depression
Q. Why do women suffer depression twice as often as men?
A. Some experts point to biological differences. For instance, many women have lower levels of a key brain chemical called serotonin.
Social and psychological factors may also play a role. These include unequal child-rearing duties and higher rates of poverty among women.
Q. How is depression different from just feeling blue?
A. It’s natural to feel down after an unhappy event, such as the death of a loved one. Everyone gets down every now and then.
Major depression is a clinical disease that affects mood, body, and behavior. It’s often suspected if someone feels depressed and/or loses interest in activities for longer than two weeks. Several other symptoms may also be present, such as:
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or hopelessness
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue.
See a doctor if you suspect you have depression. And do so right away if you feel suicidal.
DEPRESSION SCREENING
To schedule a confidential consultation or depression screening to see if you are appropriate for treatment at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, call
September/October 2006 A Healthy Tomorrow
