May 2026
It’s normal to feel sad or down from time to time. But when it happens too often or lasts too long, it may point to depression. When it comes to women and depression, several myths can prevent people from getting the care they need. Let’s debunk five common myths about depression in women.
Myth #1: Men and women face the same risk of depression.
Fact: Women are more likely to experience depression than men.
While depression affects both men and women, from childhood through older age, women face a significantly higher risk. Overall, 16% of females vs. 10.1% of males have depression, according to the National Center for Health Care Statistics. This gender gap is even wider among adolescents ages 12 to 19, where 26.5% of females have depression compared to 12.2% of males.
Myth #2: Depression is a personality problem you can “snap out of” or change.
Fact: Depression is a medical condition, not a weakness.
Depression is a serious mood disorder caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, biological, psychological, and environmental factors, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Women’s unique biological, hormonal, and social experiences may further increase their risk.
Like any medical condition, depression often requires professional treatment to get better. It’s not something you can “snap out of” or change with willpower alone.
Myth #3: Depression means you’re sad all the time.
Fact: Depression has many signs and symptoms.
While ongoing or persistent sadness is common for many with depression, the NIMH lists these other warning signs:
- Ongoing anxious or “empty” mood
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Feeling like you’re moving in slow motion
- Feeling guilty, helpless, hopeless, or worthless
- Irritability and restlessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed
- Aches and pains, including headaches, stomach pain, and digestive problems that have no known cause or don’t respond to treatment
- Difficulty concentrating, working, making decisions, or remembering things
- Problems sleeping, waking up earlier, or sleeping more than usual
- Unexplained appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of self-harm, death, or suicide
- Suicide attempts
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare provider.
Myth #4: All depression is the same.
Fact: Women may experience unique types of depression.
Depression can look different for everyone, and women may face specific types of depression during certain life stages. These include:
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD): This is a more severe form of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. It happens in the weeks leading up to your period. PDD causes severe symptoms, including:
- Depressed mood
- Anger or irritability
- Appetite changes
- Bloating and breast tenderness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Perinatal depression: Pregnancy can trigger depression in some women. When it happens during pregnancy, it’s called prenatal depression. When it occurs after childbirth, it’s called . postpartum depression Symptoms may include sadness, anxiety, fatigue or exhaustion, intrusive or disturbing thoughts, and trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment to the baby (postpartum).
- Perimenopausal depression: Some women may experience symptoms of depression as their body transitions to menopause, when they stop getting their periods. Common perimenopause symptoms also include:
- Mood changes
- Problems sleeping
- Difficulty concentrating
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
Myth #5: Positive thinking alone can fix depression.
Fact: Depression often requires professional treatment.
While maintaining a positive outlook can help with overall mental health, it’s not enough to treat depression. Most people need a combination of treatments to recover and stay well. Common options include:
- Antidepressant medication
- Talk therapy, either in-person or virtual
- A combination of medication and talk therapy
The first step is to see your doctor, who can rule out any physical health issues and connect you with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
If you have thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, it’s important to get help right away. Call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat with them online. They also offer special services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
