Feeling sad is a normal reaction to difficult times in life. Depression is different—it is a mood disorder that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts.
Communicating well with a health care provider can improve your care. NIMH provides ways to get help, find a health care provider, and access treatment at www.nimh.nih.gov/findhelp. For tips on preparing for and getting the most out of your health care visit, see www.nimh.nih.gov/talkingtips.
The following agencies have more information on depression in women:
- • Depression (Office on Women’s Health) www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/mental-health-conditions/depression
- Depression Among Women (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/depression
- Women and Depression (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)www.fda.gov/consumers/women/women- and-depression
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides an online resource for finding mental health services in your area at https://findtreatment.gov.