March 12th, 2026
Depression is one of the most common mental health illnesses affecting women, with millions of women being impacted by the condition each year. In fact, women are nearly twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression compared to men. [1]
For many women in Chicago, depression doesn’t always look the way people expect. You may still be showing up at work, meeting deadlines, and keeping up with the busy social life that comes with the city. From the outside, everything may appear to be going fine. But internally, things might feel heavy, exhausting, or difficult to explain.
Depression is classified as a mood disorder, often presenting as a lack of energy, increased sadness, and feelings of hopelessness. As with other mental illnesses, depression can be an “invisible” illness.
Many women continue to fulfill responsibilities at work, home, and in their relationships despite the lack of energy and feelings of sadness. This is sometimes referred to as high-functioning depression, where someone appears to be managing daily life but is still experiencing significant emotional distress.
For others, their depression may become not only mentally debilitating but also physically debilitating, making it challenging to hold a job or maintain relationships. Depression can develop for many different reasons, often involving a combination of factors.
Sometimes depression can be connected to life events such as losing a loved one, navigating a major life transition, experiencing relationship challenges, or going through a career change. Other times, depression can appear without a clear or obvious cause
If you’re wondering whether what you’re experiencing could be depression, you’re not alone. Keep reading to learn more about the signs of depression in women and where you can find trusted mental health support in Chicago.
Women may face a higher risk of depression due to natural hormonal changes and life events unique to women, such as pregnancy and childbirth. Before exploring types of depression that can specifically affect women, it’s helpful to first understand the common signs of depression in women.
Depression can manifest differently for everyone. However, there are key symptoms to keep an eye out for. The following are some of the most common signs of depression in women:
Depression symptoms in women can sometimes show up in everyday ways. It might look like wanting to lie alone in a dark room, avoiding social interactions for days at a time, or feeling too emotionally drained to engage with others. In some cases, depression can make it difficult to keep up with daily responsibilities.
For example, maybe you find yourself leaving dishes in the sink for days, falling behind on household tasks, or calling off work due to overwhelming sadness.
There are three types of depression that can exclusively occur in women during different periods of their lives. Specifically during their postpartum stage, their menstrual cycle, and the perimenopause stage. These phases are all associated with both physical and hormonal changes that can make a woman more vulnerable to certain types of depression.
The three types of depression unique to women are: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Perinatal depression, and Perimenopausal depression. Let’s go over each of these three below.
When talking about depression in women, it’s important to note that unlike men, women can also experience Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD. You might be thinking, “What is PMDD?”
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is an intense form of premenstrual syndrome or PMS. PMDD symptoms are severe and cause significant mental and physical distress. So much so that it interferes with daily life (work, school, relationships).
If left untreated, PMDD can lead to severe depression in women. A study found that women with PMDD are 14 times more likely to develop major depressive disorder than women who do not have PMDD [2]
PMDD symptoms typically start a week before the beginning of a menstrual cycle and present both mental and physical symptoms. It is a serious and chronic health condition that causes depressive moods, fatigue, muscle aches, and more. Those affected by PMDD should seek professional treatment. [3]
The cause of PMDD is not yet known, however, it is believed to be an abnormal reaction to natural hormone changes that happen when a woman goes through her menstrual cycle. Common signs of PMDD include:
Emotional & Mental Symptoms
Physical Symptoms
The symptoms of PMDD can sometimes be mistaken for other health conditions. For example, PMDD can be mistaken for a thyroid condition since some symptoms can overlap. That’s why it’s important to always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
One of the most common types of depression in women related to childbirth is Peripartum depression. Peripartum depression is a serious form of depression that occurs during pregnancy or up to one year postpartum. When symptoms do not present until several months after delivery, it is often called perinatal depression.
Peripartum depression can present with both physical and mental symptoms following childbirth. The following are warning signs that Peripartum Depression may be occurring:
Childbirth presents a lot of hormonal changes in the body that can bring about a lot of physical ailments as well as a rollercoaster of emotions. It is a unique process that each woman experiences differently. Women can also have difficulties with feeling a deep bond with their children, not feeling supported by others in their lives, and feeling exhausted from the new responsibility of raising a child.
It is also important to recognize that women who are in the process of trying to adopt a child may also experience increased depression. The process of adoption is quite expensive and presents its own challenges. Women that are going through this transition may feel isolated, alone, and may feel defeated during the process.
Women between the ages of 42 and 52 are in a phase known as ‘perimenopause’ and mental illness is very prevalent in this stage of life. Their risk of severe depression is significantly higher for perimenopausal women. [4]
Regrettably, research focused on the mental health of women during perimenopause is very limited. Because of this, many women do not receive timely recognition or appropriate treatment for depression linked to hormonal changes due to menopause.
Perimenopause refers to the transitional period leading up to menopause and extending through the first year after a person’s final menstrual cycle. Because of how this phase is defined, depression related to perimenopause is often identified only after the fact.
Adding to the challenge, emotional and psychological symptoms appear first (low mood, irritability, depression, etc.) while physical symptoms (hot flash, weight gain, etc.) often appear years after the psychological symptoms (up to five years later). This gap in symptom timing can make perimenopausal depression especially difficult to identify and diagnose early.
In addition to PMDD, Peripartum depression, and perimenopausal depression, women can also suffer from depression during pregnancy and after childbirth due to other factors. Some of the additional reasons women may experience heightened depression during these periods can include:
Additionally, depression can also be heightened in those who have experienced a miscarriage, stillbirth, or are experiencing infertility issues. It can be particularly difficult for women who yearn to have children, yet experience these traumatic events.
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is an important first step toward getting support. If you believe you may be experiencing depression, speaking with a qualified mental health professional can help you better understand what you’re going through and explore treatment options.
Common treatment approaches for depression often include therapy, medication management, or a combination of both. Many women find that working with a therapist can help them better understand their thoughts, emotions, and coping patterns, while psychiatric care can help address the biological components of depression.
At Clarity Clinic, our team of experienced mental health professionals work with women across Chicago to develop personalized treatment plans based on their symptoms, goals, and life circumstances.
You can explore our network of trusted psychiatrists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and therapists to find the right provider for your needs.
With multiple mental health clinic locations throughout Chicago and surrounding areas we make it easier to access care close to home. For added flexibility, we also offer online appointments for Illinois residents.
Click the button below to browse our mental health specialists and get started with trusted depression treatment in Chicago.
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Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never ignore or delay seeking professional help due to information found here.
References:
[1] Why is depression more prevalent in women? Albert, P. R. (2015). Why is depression more prevalent in women? Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience, 40(4), 219–221. https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.150205
[2] Kim, D. R., Gyulai, L., Freeman, E. W., Morrison, M. F., Baldassano, C., & Dubé, B. (2001). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder and risk for major depressive disorder: a preliminary study. Archives of Women's Mental Health, 4(1), 37–42. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11745598/#:~:text=In%20all%2C%20seven%20of%20the,05)
[3] Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd
[4] The Role of Estrogen in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Riecher-Rössler, A. (2018). Oestrogen and mental health in women. Swiss Medical Weekly, 148, w14651. https://doi.org/10.4414/smw.2018.14651
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pavan Prasad, MD
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