Understanding Depression in Middle Age: Causes, Symptoms & Support

Middle-aged men and women commonly experience depression because of life and hormone changes. The symptoms of clinical depression include feelings of sadness, being overwhelmed, anxiety, and exhaustion.

Women

• Middle-aged women are most likely to suffer with depression. A study done by the National Health Service in England found that women ages 40-55 were most likely to be depressed.

Menopause

• Menopause is one reason women are more likely to be depressed. The hormonal body change causes insomnia and anxiety as well.

Overworked

• Middle-aged people can feel depressed if they feel overworked and overlooked, especially if they keep working but fear for job loss because of newer, younger job seekers.

Life

• Middle-aged people also feel depressed at times because they have not done everything they wanted to or thought they would in life.

Diet

• The British Journal of Psychiatry printed a report done by psychiatrists in France and England that found if middle-aged men and women consumed a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and fish, they were less likely to be depressed.

Ethnicity in the U.S.

• In the United States, middle-aged white Americans have slightly higher rates than middle-aged African-Americans, but the rates for younger and older adults are approximately the same in both populations.