Mental Health Month: Women and Depression Facts

May is Mental Health Month. The month of recognition began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and mental wellness for all.

At Crossroads for Women, depression is a very common problem for clients. Here are some facts about depression and women in particular:

About one in every eight women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime.
Depression occurs most frequently in women aged 25 to 44.
Social factors may also lead to higher rates of clinical depression among women, including stress from work, family responsibilities, the roles and expectations of women and increased rates of sexual abuse and poverty.
Women experience depression at roughly twice the rate of men.
Approximately 10%-15% of all new mothers get postpartum depression, which most frequently occurs within the first year after the birth of a child.
Research shows that one out of three depressed people also suffers from some form of substance abuse or dependence.
Depression in women is misdiagnosed approximately 30% to 50% of the time.
Fewer than half of the women who experience clinical depression will ever seek care.

If you suffer from depression or think you might be depressed, you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The good news is that more than 80% of people with depression can be treated successfully with medication, counseling or a combination of both.

Find Help: Search the national SAMHSA Mental Health Services Locator. Or, if you are in Maine, call one of Crossroads for Women’s outpatient facilities in Portland (207.773.9931), Kennebunk, (207.467.3369) or Windham (207.894.5733).