Susan is the Executive Director of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), a non-profit international mental health association. She is a lawyer and advocate with 25 years of leadership experience working in the mental health and access to justice fields, international development and legal reform, and higher education administration. Prior to joining ADAA, Susan held senior-level positions in several U.S. government agencies, such as the United States Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Article3 min read
Why Do Women Experience Depression Differently As They Age?
- Susan K Gurley JD
- Oct 1, 2025
- 3
As we age, transformations in our bodies, minds, and experiences affect many aspects of life, including the way we experience depression. From the challenges of young adulthood to midlife pressures and menopause, each stage brings unique mental health struggles. Understanding these changes can help you recognize symptoms and seek support earlier.
Depression in Young Women (Ages 18-29)
What it feels like: A woman entering early adulthood can experience depression as she encounters new and unfamiliar life experiences. Moving to a new place, going to college, or starting a new job has the potential to make her feel isolated and unsupported. Instabilities in friendships or romantic relationships are also potential stressors.
How to address it: She can navigate these transitions and set herself up for lifelong success by building a strong support system, getting into therapy, and developing good self-care habits.
Midlife Depression (Ages 30-69)
What it feels like: Trying to balance a career, being a mother (or choosing not to be), caring for elderly parents, and still finding time to prioritize her own health can make a woman in the middle of adulthood feel like she must do it all. She might ignore or not notice the early warning signs of depression and fail to seek treatment. As symptoms snowball, she risks turning to alcohol or other destructive coping mechanisms in search of relief.
How to address it: Confiding in a therapist is a highly effective way to alleviate her burden. A qualified provider can help her learn healthier coping mechanisms and stress management techniques and consider additional treatment options like medication.
Depression During Menopause
What it feels like: Fluctuations in hormones as a woman goes through menopause cause her body to change both physically and mentally, and each type of change can contribute to the onset of depression. It’s common for her to experience symptoms like emotional turbulence, sleep disturbances, and weight gain, which may or may not become severe enough to warrant classification as depression.
How to address it: Following a healthy diet and exercise routine and getting enough sleep can help keep the effects of menopause at bay and decrease her chance of becoming depressed. Depending on the severity of her symptoms, she may seek help from a therapist or try medication.
Depression in Older Women (Ages 70+)
What it feels like: As she enters her golden years, the main challenges an older woman will face are loneliness and the loss of loved ones. Social isolation increases her risk of becoming depressed; for her, the symptoms of depression might take the form of physical aches and pains, trouble sleeping, or suicidal thoughts.
How to address it: Following a daily routine, engaging in meaningful social relationships, and seeking professional support are crucial to protecting her mental health.
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