Don't Let Depression Cause Your Dreams To Fade Away

What is depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad—it’s a persistent mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and function. It can make everyday tasks feel heavy, drain your motivation, and disconnect you from joy or meaning. When left untreated, depression can impact relationships, work performance, physical health, and overall quality of life.

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How does depression show up in ambitious women?

For many high-achieving women, depression is subtle and easy to miss. You may continue showing up for work, family, and responsibilities while feeling numb, disconnected, or emotionally exhausted inside. Rather than falling apart, you push through—often at great personal cost.

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How does depression look different in women than in men?

Women tend to internalize depression, while men are more likely to externalize it through anger or irritability. Depression in women often shows up as guilt, perfectionism, self-criticism, or chronic fatigue. Hormonal transitions such as PMS, postpartum changes, and perimenopause can also increase vulnerability, making symptoms easier to overlook or misattribute.

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Why do many women describe depression as feeling “heavy”?

Feeling heavy is one of the most common ways women describe depression. This heaviness can show up as persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, mental fog or slowed thinking, emotional weight from guilt or sadness, and even physical symptoms like body aches or headaches. This isn’t laziness or weakness—it’s your nervous system signaling depletion and the need for support.

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What types of depression commonly affect women?

There are several forms of depression that can impact women, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent sadness and loss of interest lasting at least two weeks

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): A chronic low mood lasting two years or longer

• Bipolar Depression: Depressive episodes that alternate with periods of mania or hypomania

• Postpartum Depression: Depression triggered by hormonal and life changes after childbirth

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression that worsens during certain seasons, often winter

Each type requires careful evaluation and personalized treatment.

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What are common symptoms of depression in women?

Symptoms of depression can be emotional, cognitive, and physical. Common signs include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, feeling heavy or drained, sleep changes, appetite or weight changes, difficulty concentrating, guilt or shame, physical pain, and feelings of hopelessness. In more severe cases, thoughts of self-harm may occur and require immediate support.

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What causes depression?

Depression is not a personal failing. It’s influenced by multiple factors working together, including genetics, brain chemistry imbalances involving serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine, environmental stressors such as trauma or chronic stress, and hormonal changes related to thyroid function, postpartum shifts, or perimenopause.

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How is depression diagnosed?

In my Denver practice, depression is evaluated using a comprehensive, whole-person approach. This includes a detailed psychiatric assessment, standardized screening tools, lab work to assess thyroid function, hormones, and nutrient levels, and careful evaluation of co-occurring conditions. This helps ensure depression is accurately identified and not mistaken for burnout, anxiety, or another condition.

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What does treatment for women who feel heavy look like?

Depression treatment is never one-size-fits-all. I use a boutique, integrative approach that may include medication management when appropriate, targeted supplements and nutraceuticals, evidence-based therapy approaches, lifestyle interventions, and functional lab or genetic testing. The goal is to treat both symptoms and root causes—so healing is sustainable.

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Can depression really improve?

Yes. With the right support, depression does not have to define you. Many women regain energy, clarity, emotional connection, and a renewed sense of purpose through integrative care that addresses both mind and body.

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Why does depression make me feel heavy?

Depression can make you feel heavy because it impacts both the brain and the body. Chemically, low levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine slow down mood regulation and energy production, creating fatigue and sluggishness. Physically, depression often disrupts sleep, appetite, and hormones, which can leave your body weighed down and drained. Emotionally, carrying constant worry, guilt, or sadness can feel like a weight pressing on you.

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Where can I learn more about depression in women?

If you’d like to explore further, I recommend:

 

Blogs

• • Signs of High Functioning Depression in Women

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder & Vitamin D

  • Depressed After Vacation

  • Am I Lazy or Burnt Out (or Depressed)

  • Does Vitamin D Help with Moods

 

Media Hub

• Videos + Podcasts

 

Trusted Resources

• • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

  • Mayo Clinic – Depression Overview​