When people picture depression, they often think of sadness, fatigue, or a lack of interest in life’s pleasures. Depression can show up in a variety of ways, especially for women, and some signs may go unnoticed. Recognizing these lesser-known symptoms can help you or someone you love seek support sooner.
- Irritability and Anger
Many women are taught to bottle up emotions like sadness, but these can sometimes emerge instead as irritability or frustration. Depression doesn’t always look like being sad; it can show up as a quick temper or mood swings. As Gabor Maté says, “The attempt to escape from pain creates more pain”—and in trying to hold back sadness, anger can spill over.
Suggestion: If you or someone you care about seems unusually irritable or easily upset, it might be worth exploring with a therapist. Talking through these emotions can reveal underlying depression and help uncover the root of the problem.
- Physical Pain with No Clear Explanation
Depression can live in the body, too. Women experiencing depression often report headaches, digestive issues, or unexplained pain. These physical symptoms are sometimes treated as separate health issues, but Maté suggests that “emotional stress is a major cause of physical illness.” Chronic pain without a known cause may signal that the mind and body need care.
Suggestion: Pay attention to recurring discomfort that doesn’t have a medical explanation. Consulting with a healthcare provider or mental health professional may reveal if these symptoms are connected to depression.
- Shifts in Appetite or Weight
Depression often impacts eating patterns, but not everyone experiences it in the same way. Some may turn to food for comfort, while others lose their appetite. These changes might lead to noticeable shifts in weight that don’t consistently get recognized as a sign of depression.
Suggestion: If you’ve noticed changes in your eating habits that don’t feel typical—whether it’s overeating, undereating, or unexplained weight fluctuations—consider reaching out to a therapist. Therapy can help you address the emotional roots behind these changes.
- Difficulty Making Decisions
While many of us struggle with decision-making sometimes, for women with depression, even small choices can feel overwhelming. From simple daily decisions to more significant life choices, the constant second-guessing and mental exhaustion can take a toll. Maté reminds us that “our stresses, losses, griefs… are not isolated events, but part of a larger tapestry of life.” For some, depression weaves a sense of paralyzing indecision into that tapestry.
Suggestion: If making decisions feels incredibly draining, it might be time to consider speaking with a therapist. They can offer guidance to break down decisions into manageable steps and relieve some of the mental burden depression brings.
- Feeling Numb or Disconnected
For some women, depression feels like emotional numbness or disconnection from life. This detachment may lead to drifting through the days without joy or motivation. Often mistaken for laziness or lack of effort, numbness is a profound sign of depression that Maté describes as the body’s way of trying to “survive unlivable circumstances.”
Suggestion: If you or someone close to you feels emotionally flat or distant, seeking support is a good idea. Therapy can help you reconnect with your emotions, bringing more presence and meaning to life.
Depression in women does not always match the typical symptoms we hear about. It’s often more than just sadness—it may come through irritability, physical discomfort, changes in appetite, decision fatigue, or emotional disconnection. If you resonate with any of these signs, consider reaching out to learn more about depression therapy at Highland Healing Center. The right support can help you rediscover a sense of purpose and joy in life.