DEPRESSION
Treatment
For Women
At Conscious Psychiatry, we offer personalized treatment options to support your mental health journey with care and expertise.
You might be telling yourself it's just a phase, or the altitude, or that you should be grateful for your beautiful life in this incredible city.But what if it's depression? And more importantly, what if there's a path back to feeling like yourself again?
Depression affects women at nearly twice the rate of men, and it's not simply a matter of being more emotional or sensitive. The reality is that women face unique biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to depression risk throughout their lives.


Depression in women often looks different than the classic image of someone who can't get out of bed. Many women with depression continue to function—they go to work, care for their families, and maintain their responsibilities—while silently suffering inside.
From hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause, to societal pressures around caregiving roles and work-life balance, women navigate a complex landscape that can significantly impact mental health.
My practice incorporates non-pharmacological strategies alongside medication for depression to support and enhance mental health.
Many women experience what's sometimes called "high-functioning depression"—maintaining their external responsibilities while battling internal struggles. You might excel at work, keep a clean house, and show up for others, all while feeling empty, exhausted, or disconnected from your own life.
This type of depression can be particularly challenging because it often goes unrecognized, even by the women experiencing it. The message becomes "I should be grateful," "Others have it worse," or "I don't have time to be depressed."


One of the most significant factors in women's depression is the intricate relationship between hormones and mood. Throughout a woman's life, hormonal fluctuations can trigger or worsen depressive episodes:
This is why treating depression in women requires understanding the whole person, not just prescribing medication and hoping for the best.
At Conscious Psychiatry, we believe in using treatments that are backed by solid research while honoring each woman's unique needs and preferences. Depression treatment isn't one-size-fits-all, and what works for your friend or sister might not be the right approach for you.
Antidepressant medications can be highly effective for many women, but prescribing them requires understanding how women's bodies process medications differently:
SSRIs and SNRIs: These remain first-line treatments for depression, but women may respond differently to different medications. Research shows that women tend to respond better to SSRIs, while men may respond better to tricyclic antidepressants.
Hormonal Considerations: For women whose depression is clearly linked to hormonal cycles, we might consider treatments that address both mood and hormonal fluctuations.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: We specialize in helping women navigate depression treatment safely during pregnancy and postpartum periods.
Menopause-Related Depression: Sometimes hormone replacement therapy, used judiciously alongside antidepressants, can be more effective than either treatment alone.
