​​Everyone can feel down from time to time, for some people these feelings are intense and can last for weeks, months or even years. This can occur without any apparent reason.

 

Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious condition that affects physical and mental health. Feeling depressed can interfere with daily life, employment, family and ability to socialise and lead a normal life.

 

Depression can be caused by exposure to:

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• traumatic life experiences

• relationship conflicts or breakdown

• work stressors and unemployment

• studies

• isolation

• pregnancy

• infertility

• motherhood

• violence

• abuse

• irrational beliefs about one’s self and others

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Depression can be caused by life transitions such as:

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• empty nest

• the loss of a loved one including pets

• divorce

• loss of business

• pregnancy

• motherhood

• menopause

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These are factors that negatively impact the emotional and physical wellbeing on women and place them at risk of depression and other physical illness.

 

Depressive disorder and anxiety disorder are much higher in women than men. Anxiety disorders constitute the most prevalent mental disorder in adults and affect twice as many women as men.