A woman is a good multitasker. She has many life roles- as a mother, wife, employee,friend, healer, caregiver and more. The complexity of these roles cause mood swings which are usually associated with life events.

In the case of depression, these emotions do not fizzle out. They affect ability to carry out basic tasks and responsibilities. According to research, depression is almost twice as likely to affect women over men. Health Day News reports that only 10% of black women report/ seek help when struggling with depression. This is usually associated with the fear of stigmatisation.

If you have these signs and symptoms, you are suffering from depression so seek medical help or speak to someone who genuinely cares about your well-being:

1. Feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, despair and sadness

2. Irritability, anxiousness and guilt

3. Feeling of exhaustion, severe tiredness

4. Loss of pleasure in hobbies,activities  and interests

5. Inability to concentrate or remember details

6. Suicidal thoughts or attempts on suicide

7. Sleeping too much or too little; sleep disturbances

8. Changes in appetite; eating too little or too much

9. Aches and pains, cramps, headaches,digestive issues, breast tenderness, bloating

10. Lack of energy

11. Mood swings/ Feelings of tearfulness

12. Panic attacks

13. Tension

14. Disinterest in relationships