Depression - Women

Depression - Women in United States

United States

Depression, also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a common but 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, loss of interest in activities and fatigue — can impact all aspects of a person’s life, including how they think, feel and handle daily activities. 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 $326 billion annually, including direct medical costs, loss of workplace productivity and lives lost to suicide.

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 data, the prevalence of depression is higher among:

• 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 $49,999 compared with those with incomes of $75,000 or more.
• Women who live in non-metropolitan areas compared with women in metropolitan areas.

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 behavioral treatment locator. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness outlines effective approaches to reducing mental health stigma. Their guiding philosophy is that all approaches should be informed by those with mental illness. It is also important to implement anti-stigma interventions tailored to certain racial/ethnic minority communities that experience higher rates of mental illness stigma. 

County Health Rankings & Roadmaps offers multiple scientifically supported strategies for improving health outcomes for people suffering from 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 for 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 and 24/7 confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources, by call, text or online chat. The previous National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number (1-800-273-TALK(8255)) is also active and can still be used.

Healthy People 2030 has multiple mental health goals, including:

• Increasing the proportion of adults 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. 

Bharadwaj, Prashant, Mallesh M. Pai, and Agne Suziedelyte. “Mental Health Stigma.” Economics Letters 159 (October 2017): 57–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econlet.2017.06.028.

Brody, Debra J., Laura A. Pratt, and Jeffery P. Hughes. “Prevalence of Depression Among Adults Aged 20 and Over: United States, 2013–2016.” NCHS Data Brief No. 303. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, February 2018. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db303.htm.

Eylem, Ozlem, Leonore de Wit, Annemieke van Straten, Lena Steubl, Zaneta Melissourgaki, Gözde Topgüloglu Danisman, Ralph de Vries, Ad J. F. M. Kerkhof, Kamaldeep Bhui, and Pim Cuijpers. “Stigma for Common Mental Disorders in Racial Minorities and Majorities a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” BMC Public Health 20, no. 1 (December 2020): 879. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-020-08964-3.

Greenberg, Paul E., Andree-Anne Fournier, Tammy Sisitsky, Mark Simes, Richard Berman, Sarah H. Koenigsberg, and Ronald C. Kessler. “The Economic Burden of Adults with Major Depressive Disorder in the United States (2010 and 2018).” PharmacoEconomics 39, no. 6 (June 2021): 653–65. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40273-021-01019-4.