“Are You Calling It ‘Stress’ When It Might Actually Be Depression?”
I was sitting in my doctor’s office in Toronto, holding back tears while listing off my symptoms: exhaustion, irritability, and brain fog. These can often be signs of depression in women. “It’s just stress,” I said, laughing nervously. “I’m a working mom—what do you expect?”
My doctor leaned forward. “Shubhangi, stress doesn’t make you feel nothing when your toddler hugs you. Stress doesn’t make you cry in the grocery store for no reason. These aren’t just “mom struggles”—these are signs of depression in women.”
That moment changed everything.
I wasn’t alone. Toronto mom Nadia K. had nearly identical symptoms—she blamed her exhaustion on parenting until her doctor recognized the truth. UBC research shows women are twice as likely as men to experience depression, yet we’re far less likely to seek help. Why? Because we’ve been taught to call it “burnout,” “hormones,” or “just part of being a woman.”
It’s time to change that.
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Why Canadian Women Miss the Signs of Depression in Women
1. We Mistake Depression for “Being Responsible.”
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“I’m just tired from juggling everything.”
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“Of course I’m irritable—I do everything around here!”
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“Everyone feels this way, right?”
Real Canadian Example: Sarah, a Calgary nurse, worked 12-hour shifts while caring for her aging parents. When she started forgetting medication doses at work, she blamed stress—not depression.
2. Our Symptoms Look Different Than Men’s’s – Signs of Depression in Women
While men often exhibit anger or recklessness, signs of depression in women frequently include the following:
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Over-apologizing (even for needing help)
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People-pleasing to exhaustion
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“High-functioning” depression (smiling while dying inside)
BC Study Alert: Women are more likely to report physical symptoms (headaches, stomach issues) rather than emotional ones, leading to misdiagnosis.
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3. Hormonal Changes Mask the Problem – Signs of Depression in Women
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Postpartum depression (“I thought this was just the baby blues”)
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Perimenopause mood swings (“My doctor said it’s just hormones.”)
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PMDD (extreme PMS that’s actually a depressive disorder)
Local Story: *Leanne, a 42-year-old from Halifax*, was told her sudden anxiety was “perimenopause.” It A woman had to attempt suicide before doctors recognized her severe depression..
7 Overlooked Signs of Depression in Women (Canadian Edition)
1. The “Nothing Sounds Fun” Phenomenon
NoJust busy—you genuinely can’t remember what joy feels like.
“I used to love painting. Now my supplies just collect dust.” —Alisha, Vancouver artist
2. Secret Crying Sessions – Signs of Depression in Women
Bathroom stalls, parked cars, the walk-in closet—wherever you can hide it.
3. Emotional Numbness During Milestones
YoAt your kid’s graduation or your anniversary, you should feel happy, but instead, you just feel… nothing.
4. The “Mom Guilt” That Never Quits
Not normal worry—constant, crushing guilt that you’re failing everyone.
5. Phantom Aches and Pains
UnWomen often explain their back pain, migraines, or stomach issues as having no medical cause.
6. The “I’m Fine” Mask
YoYou might joke about being tired while secretly making mental crisis plans.
7. Sleep That Doesn’t Refresh
WhWhether you sleep for 4 hours or 10, you wake up exhausted.
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How to Get Help (Without the Guilt)
1. OHIP & MSP-Covered Resources
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Ontario: Women’s College Hospital’s Mental Health Program
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BC: BC Women’s Mental Health Services
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Quebec: The Montreal Women’s Clinic
2. Free Online Screenings—-Signs of Depression in Women
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CAMH’s Women & Depression self-test
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BC Women’s Postpartum Depression screening
3. Pharmacists Can Now Prescribe
As In 2023, Canadian pharmacists can prescribe antidepressants for mild to moderate cases without requiring a doctor’s waitlist..
4. Workplace Benefits You’re Not Using
MoSome Canadian companies offer 5-10 free therapy sessions through EFAP programs.
“But I Can’t Possibly Be Depressed—I’m Functioning!”
HeHere’s the truth: high-functioning depression is still depression. If you
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CaCanceling plans at the last minute because you feel “too tired” is common.
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FeI feel like you’re acting in a play called “My Life.”
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Dread things you used to enjoy
…it’s time to talk to someone.
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Signs of Depression in Women : Real Canadian Women’s Stories
Priya’s Turning Point (Mississauga Accountant)
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Pushed through signs of depression in women for 2 years
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Finally sought help after missing her daughter’s recital (she’d bought tickets months in advance)
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Now runs a South Asian women’s mental health group
What Worked For Me – Signs of Depression in Women
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Accepting that medication isn’t failure (my brain needed help, just like a diabetic needs insulin)
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Women-only therapy groups (finally feeling understood)
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Setting boundaries (saying “no” without apology)
Your Next Steps (When You’ve Put Yourself Last for Too Long)
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Text “WELLNESS” to 741741 (Canada’s Crisis Text Line—they specialize in women’s mental health)
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Book a same-day appointment at a Community Health Centre
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TeI told one trusted friend, “I’m not okay.”
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A Letter to My Former Self – Signs of Depression in Women
“That heaviness you carry? It’s not your cross to bear alone. The nights you lie awake planning how to ‘do better’ tomorrow? That’s not productivity—that’s one of the clearest signs of depression in women. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through life. Help exists, and you—yes, YOU—deserve it.”
FAQ: Signs of Depression in Women
Q: How is female depression different from male depression?
A: Women more often experience guilt, fatigue, and physical symptoms, while men tend toward anger or substance use.
Q: Can birth control cause depression?
A: For certain women, the answer is indeed affirmative.. HeHealth Canada lists mood changes as a potential side effect.
Q: Where can immigrant women find culturally sensitive help?
A: Across Canada:
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Toronto: Women’s Health in Women’s Hands
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Vancouver: Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre
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Montreal: Head & Hands
Q: Do I need to be suicidal to get help?
A: Absolutely not. Early intervention prevents crises.
Please tell us your tale in the comments. Sometimes simply saying it out loud makes it less powerful. share your story with us, let other get help.
