I am reading an article in Mental Health News (www.mentalhealthnews.org) regarding women and depression and thought that I would address some of the findings here.  Depression is most prevalent among women although depression affects men and women women are more likely to be diagnosed with depression.  I attribute this to women being more likely to get help due to societies acceptance of such behavior, social norms and being taught to ask for help from a young age.  It is important to distinguish between the different forms of depression i.e. Major depressive disorder, Dysthymic disorder, Psychotic depression, Seasonal affective disorder and Bipolar disorder. Not everyone has the same symptoms although they may have the same "disorder". 
     Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a combination of symptoms that interfere with a persons ability to function in daily life, such as at work, home, school and or in social arenas.  Dysthymic Disorder is the term used to describe depressive symptoms that have existed for at least two years although the symptoms are less severe than those of MDD.  Psychotic depression is severe depression along with some form of psychosis such as auditory hallucinations, visual hallucinations or delusions.  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is when depression occurs only during the months or times with little sunlight.  Bipolar Disorder is a depressive disorder that also has at least one period of mania and is cyclical in nature.  Mania is a state of extreme energy followed or preceded by extreme depression.
     Many factors contribute to depression in women these factors include genetic, biological, chemical, hormonal, environmental, psychological and social factors.  Brain chemistry is a significant contributor to depression in women.  This chemistry can be viewed using MRI technology and has discovered that brains with depression look different than those brains without depression.  Often there are coexisting disorders such as eating disorder, anxiety disorder, Post traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder that sometimes precede, accompany or follow depression.  Substance abuse disorders also co-occur with depression at a very high rate.
    Treatment for depression and other disorders may include medication, exercise, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, solution focused therapy and electroconvulsive therapy to name a few.  The important thing is to find something that works for you and to stick with it