Depression - Women in United States

United States

Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a serious mood disorder that is more common among women than men. The prevalence of depression may be higher than what is reported due to stigma associated with mental illness. 

The symptoms of depression — such as hopelessness, fatigue and loss of interest in activities — can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including their thoughts, feelings and daily functioning. Around 80% of adults with depression report struggling with work, home or social activities. Depression during and after pregnancy may prevent women from forming early mother-child bonds, which are important for a child’s development.

There are significant societal costs associated with depression. The economic burden of depression in the United States is estimated at $334 billion annually, including direct medical costs, household-related costs and loss of workplace productivity.

Depression is a complex disorder caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and physiological factors. Risk factors for depression include a family history of depression, major life changes or stressors, certain medications and illnesses such as diabetes, cancer or heart disease. 

According to America’s Health Rankings analysis, the prevalence of depression is higher among:

• Women ages 18-24 compared with women ages 35-44. 
• Non-Hispanic multiracial, white and American Indian/Alaska Native women compared with Asian and Hawaiian/Pacific Islander women. 
• Women with some post-high school education compared with college graduates and those with less than a high school education. 
• Women with an annual household income less than $75,000 compared with those with incomes of $75,000 or more.
• Women who live in non-metropolitan areas compared with women in metropolitan areas.
• Women who have difficulty living independently compared with women without a disability. 
• LGBQ+ women compared with straight women.
• Women who have served in the U.S. armed forces compared with women who have not served.

Depression is most commonly treated with psychotherapy, medication or both. Talking with your primary care provider is a good first step toward finding mental health care. More resources can be found on the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, including a treatment locator for mental health and substance use disorders. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness outlines effective approaches to reduce mental health stigma. It is also important to implement anti-stigma interventions tailored to racial and ethnic minority communities that experience more stigma around mental illness. 

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps offers multiple scientifically-supported strategies for improving health outcomes among people with depression, including behavioral health primary care integration, community-based social support for physical activity and changes to mental health benefits legislation.

The National Institute of Mental Health has a guide on how to help someone who is in emotional distress. In 2022, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was launched to provide an easy-to-remember number for 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, as well as for prevention and crisis resources by call, text or online chat. The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-8255) is also active and can still be used. 

Self-help resources for mental health problems are available online and offer a variety of tools and information. These resources can provide helpful information, but they do not substitute for a proper diagnosis and treatment from a trained professional.

Healthy People 2030 has multiple mental health goals, including:

• Increasing the proportion of adults and adolescents who are screened for depression during primary care visits.
• Increasing the proportion of adults with depression who get treatment for it.
• Reducing the suicide death rate.

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