Everyone experiences disappointment or sadness in life; however, when the sadness last a long time or interfere with your ability to function, you may be experiencing depression. Depression not only affects your mood, but also you mind, body and behavior, and if severe enough can have grave consequences if left untreated.

Women are almost twice as likely to experience depression as men, regardless of race or ethnic background. Research suggests depression in women does not develop from a single cause, but rather from several factors that are unique to women’s lives such as genetics and biological, hormonal, pregnancy, abuse and oppression, interpersonal and certain psychological characteristics.

Learning more about the underlying factors in your depression and developing skills and tools with CBT to use to overcome the depression can help to restore hope and strength back into your life.