Conscious Psychiatry

September 22, 2025

Depression or stress?

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 in Women: More Than Just Feeling Down

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.

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. Add in Denver's unique challenges—altitude effects, seasonal changes, and the pressure to embrace the "outdoor lifestyle"—and it's no wonder many women find themselves struggling.

The Denver Factor: Altitude and Mental Health

Living at 5,280 feet presents unique considerations for mental health that many providers don't fully understand. Research shows that higher altitudes can affect neurotransmitter production, particularly serotonin and dopamine—the same brain chemicals targeted by antidepressant medications.

Studies have found that people living at higher altitudes may experience increased rates of depression and anxiety, particularly during their first year of adjustment. The lower oxygen levels can affect sleep quality, energy levels, and mood regulation. For women already predisposed to depression due to hormonal factors, Denver's altitude can compound these challenges.

Additionally, Colorado's intense UV exposure and dramatic weather changes can trigger mood fluctuations, while the cultural emphasis on outdoor activities and "mountain lifestyle" can create pressure and feelings of inadequacy for those struggling with depression.

Recognizing Depression: It's Not Always What You Think

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.

Signs of Depression in Women May Include:

Emotional Symptoms:

Persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
Irritability or restlessness (often overlooked in women)
Anxiety and worry that feels overwhelming
Guilt, worthlessness, or excessive self-criticism
Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
Difficulty experiencing pleasure or joy

Physical Symptoms:

Changes in appetite or weight
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or sleeping too much)
Fatigue or decreased energy
Headaches, digestive issues, or other unexplained aches
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Psychomotor agitation or slowing

Behavioral Changes:

Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities
Decreased productivity at work or home
Increased use of alcohol or substances
Neglecting self-care or appearance
Increased conflict in relationships

The Mask of "High-Functioning" Depression

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."

Hormones and Depression: The Women's Mental Health Connection

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:

Reproductive Years

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) can cause severe depression cyclically
Hormonal birth control can affect mood in some women
Pregnancy and postpartum periods involve dramatic hormonal shifts

Perimenopause and Menopause

Estrogen fluctuations affect serotonin production and mood regulation
Sleep disruption from hot flashes can worsen depression
Life transitions during midlife can trigger existential concerns

Other Hormonal Factors

Thyroid disorders are more common in women and closely linked to mood
PCOS and other hormonal conditions can impact mental health
Stress hormones like cortisol affect women differently than men

This is why treating depression in women requires understanding the whole person, not just prescribing medication and hoping for the best.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options for Women

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.

Medication Management with a Female-Focused Approach

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.

ACT Therapy Integration

Medication alone isn't always the complete answer. Research consistently shows that combining medication with therapy provides the best outcomes for depression treatment:

At Conscious Psychiatry, we embrace Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It focuses on accepting difficult emotions while taking action aligned with your values.

Trauma-Informed Care: Many women have experienced trauma that contributes to depression, requiring specialized therapeutic approaches. And, as a nurse practitioner in the ICU for many years, Conscious Psychiatry founder Jordan Gough, PMHNP-BC knows first hand how trauma can affect your life and cause depression.

Lifestyle Medicine and Holistic Approaches

Depression treatment extends beyond the therapy office and prescription pad. Lifestyle factors can significantly impact mood and complement other treatments:

Exercise as Medicine: Research shows that regular physical activity can be as effective as antidepressants for some people. In Denver, this might mean finding indoor activities during winter months or low-altitude exercises that don't exacerbate altitude-related symptoms.

Nutrition and Mental Health: The gut-brain connection is real, and certain nutritional deficiencies can worsen depression. We might recommend supplements like vitamin D (crucial in Colorado's high-altitude environment), omega-3 fatty acids, or B vitamins when appropriate.

Sleep Optimization: Quality sleep is foundational to mental health, but Denver's altitude can disrupt sleep patterns. We work with women to develop sleep hygiene strategies that account for altitude-related challenges.

Stress Management: Teaching practical stress management techniques that fit into busy women's lives, not generic advice to "just relax."

Innovative Women’s Depression Treatment Options

For women who haven't responded to traditional treatments, we stay current with emerging therapies:

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Available in Denver, this non-invasive treatment uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain areas involved in mood regulation.

Ketamine-Assisted Therapy: For treatment-resistant depression, carefully administered ketamine can provide rapid relief when other treatments have failed.

Genetic Testing: Pharmacogenetic testing can help determine which medications are likely to work best based on your genetic makeup.

Special Considerations for Denver Women

Living in Denver presents both unique challenges and opportunities for mental health:

Seasonal Challenges

Winter Depression: Despite abundant sunshine, Denver's winters can still trigger seasonal depression
Light Therapy: May be particularly effective given Colorado's intense sun exposure
Altitude and Seasonal Changes: The combination can be particularly challenging for some women

Cultural Factors

Outdoor Pressure: Not everyone thrives on hiking and skiing, and that's okay
Transplant Adjustment: Many Denver residents are transplants, dealing with social isolation and adjustment challenges
Work-Life Balance: Denver's competitive job market and high cost of living can contribute to stress and depression

Local Resources

Denver's progressive healthcare landscape offers unique advantages:

Integrative Medicine: Many options for combining traditional and alternative treatments
Support Groups: Active mental health advocacy and peer support communities
Insurance Coverage: Colorado's relatively progressive insurance policies often cover mental health treatment (and we do too here at Conscious Psychiatry).

The Conscious Psychiatry Approach to Women's Depression

What sets our approach apart is our understanding that depression in women isn't just a chemical imbalance to be medicated—it's a complex interaction of biology, psychology, social factors, and life circumstances that requires comprehensive care.

Our Treatment Philosophy:

Hormone-Informed Care: We always consider how hormonal factors might be contributing to your depression and adjust treatment accordingly.

Life Stage Sensitivity: Depression looks different at 25 than it does at 45 or 65. Our treatment plans reflect where you are in your life journey.

Insurance Coverage: Our psychiatric services are covered by insurance, making quality mental health care accessible.

When to Seek Help for Depression

Many women delay seeking help for depression, hoping it will resolve on its own or feeling they should be able to handle it themselves. Here are signs it's time to reach out for professional support:

Symptoms have persisted for more than two weeks
Depression is interfering with work, relationships, or daily functioning
You're using alcohol or substances to cope
You're having thoughts of self-harm
Previous coping strategies aren't working anymore
Friends or family members have expressed concern

Remember: seeking help for depression isn't a sign of weakness—it's a sign of strength and self-awareness.

Getting Started: Your Path to Recovery from Depression

If you're ready to address your depression, here's how to begin:

Before Your Appointment:

Track your symptoms for a week or two, noting patterns, triggers, and severity
List your medications and supplements, including hormonal contraceptives
Consider your menstrual cycle and whether you notice mood changes at certain times
Write down questions you want to ask during your appointment

What to Expect:

Comprehensive evaluation that considers your whole health picture
Discussion of treatment options tailored to your specific situation
Collaborative treatment planning that respects your preferences and lifestyle
Ongoing support as you work toward recovery

Hope and Healing in the Mile High City

Depression can make you feel like you're trapped under a heavy blanket, unable to move toward the life you want. But here in Denver, surrounded by mountains that remind us that even the most challenging peaks can be climbed, recovery is not only possible—it's probable with the right support and treatment.

You don't have to navigate this alone. Denver's mental health community is robust and supportive, and effective treatments are available. Whether your depression is related to life transitions, hormonal changes, altitude adjustment, or simply the complex interplay of factors that affect women's mental health, there are paths forward.

At Conscious Psychiatry, we've seen countless women reclaim their lives from depression. We've witnessed the moment when colors seem brighter again, when laughter comes naturally, when the future feels possible instead of overwhelming.

Your depression is treatable. Your life can be rich and meaningful again. The mountains that surround our city stand as testament to the fact that what seems immovable can indeed be transformed, one step at a time.

If you're ready to take that first step, we're here to walk alongside you on the journey back to yourself.

About Conscious Psychiatry | Depression Treatment for Women in Denver

Conscious Psychiatry serves women throughout the Denver metro area with specialized mental health care that recognizes the unique challenges and strengths of women's mental health. Founded by Jordan Gough, PMHNP-BC, our practice combines evidence-based psychiatric treatment with deep understanding of women's hormonal health and life stage challenges.

Our Mission: To provide comprehensive, compassionate mental health care that honors both the science of psychiatry and the lived experience of each woman we serve. We believe that mental health treatment should be accessible, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of women navigating life in Denver.

Specialized Services:

Depression treatment with hormone-informed care
Anxiety and panic disorder management
PMDD and menstrual cycle-related mood disorders
Perinatal and postpartum mental health
Perimenopause and menopause mental health support
Trauma-informed care
Medication management and therapy coordination

Why Choose Conscious Psychiatry:

Women-Focused Expertise: Specialized understanding of how hormones, life stages, and social factors affect women's mental health
Denver-Specific Knowledge: We understand how altitude, culture, and lifestyle factors unique to Colorado impact mental wellness
Evidence-Based Treatment: We use proven therapies while staying current with innovative treatment options
Collaborative Care: We work closely with your other healthcare providers for comprehensive treatment
Insurance Accepted: Making quality mental health care accessible through insurance coverage

Serving the Denver Community: From downtown Denver to the surrounding suburbs and foothills communities, we provide culturally sensitive, individually tailored mental health care for women from all walks of life.

Located in the Denver metro area, Conscious Psychiatry is your partner in overcoming depression and reclaiming your mental wellness. Contact us today to begin your journey toward healing and hope.