How can I tell if I'm depressed or just sad?
Depression is different from occasionally feeling blue. If feelings of unhappiness are persistent and debilitating, interfering with your activities and relationships, you may be clinically depressed.

What is the most common symptom of depression?
Although depression has many symptoms, perhaps the most common is altered mood. If you are suffering from depression, you may experience profound sadness, anxiety, anger, irritability or apathy (lack of emotion). You may also be pessimistic, discouraged, extremely sensitive or subject to crying spells.

How common is depression among women?
Women are nearly twice as likely to develop depression as men. As many as one out of every five women will experience depression during her lifetime, with females between the ages of 18 and 45 accounting for the majority of all cases of depression.

What causes depression in women?
Depression is likely caused by an imbalance in neurotransmitters, the brain chemicals responsible for regulating mood. Many mental health professionals believe that the hormonal changes that commonly occur during the different phases of a woman's life may lead to a depressive episode. These phases include menstruation, miscarriage, pregnancy, childbirth, premenopause and menopause.