DEPRESSION IN WOMEN
As women, we have many life roles mother, wife, friend, daughter, healer and the list goes on the complexity of all of these roles can cause ups and downs throughout the life. Some of these mood changes may be due to life events or may be due to hormones. In general, after a few days, your emotions tend to level out and you don’t feel down in the dumps anymore. But, if you are suffering from depression, your ‘downs’ don’t go away with time and may interfere with your daily life activities and relationships. According to Clinical Psychologist in Hisar, depression is almost twice more likely to affect women than men and tends to have different contributing causes in women than it does in men.
Listed below are different forms of depression most common in women:
- MAJOR DEPRESSION:
It is a severe form of depression where a woman loses her ability to find pleasure in activities once considered enjoyable. In addition, it affects a woman’s ability to work, sleep and eat in normal and effective manners and usually negatively impacts an interpersonal and social relationship.
- PRE-MENSTRUAL DYSPHORIC DISORDER:
Depression that is tied to a woman’s menstrual cycle is known as Pre-Menstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Women Psychologist in Hisar, shares that in this form of depression women gets affected with severe mood swings, anxiety and negative thoughts present themselves in the week prior to the start of menstruation.
- BIOLOGY & HORMONES:
According to a research by Post-Partum Expert in Hisar, biological and hormonal factors are also likely to increase your chances of suffering from depression. Issues with pregnancy, fertility, per-menopause, menopause and menstrual cycles increase women’s risk factors of developing depression.
- PSYCHOLOGICAL CAUSES:
A survey by Mental Health Professional in Hisar concludes that, women are more prone to psychological causes of depression with a tendency to be more emotional. Women are more likely to rehash negative thoughts during bouts of depression and family stress. Research has shown that ruminating about depression can cause it to last longer and even make it worse.
- SOCIAL CAUSES:
Coping skills, choice of relationships and lifestyle choices affect women differently. As a women are more likely to develop depression from marital or relationships problems, work-life balance issues, financial troubles and stressful life events.
Clinical Psychologist in Hisar, shares some more risk factors of depression in women:
- Death of a parent before age 10.
- Psychical or sexual abuse during childhood.
- History of Mood Disorder.
- Use of certain medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of depression vary from woman to woman. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are listed below:
- Feeling of emptiness, hopelessness, despair and sadness.
- Irritability, anxiousness, guilt, feeling of exhaustion, severe tiredness.
- Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities.
- Inability of concentrate or remember.
- Suicidal Thoughts or attempts of suicide.
- Sleep disturbances: sleeping too much or too little, insomnia.
- Changes in appetite: eating too much or too little.
- Physical symptoms: aches, pains, cramps, digestive issues, bloating etc.
- Loss of Sexual Interest.
- Disturbed Parenting to Kids.
- Not able to balance personal and professional life.
TREATMENT:
If you are a woman and suffering depression, it is best to seek treatment right away to improve your quality of life. The most common treatment option for women suffering from depression includes medications and therapies.
According to Therapy Providers in Hisar, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common forms of talk therapy or psychotherapy, in the treatment of depression. This method of therapy focuses on teaching new ways of thinking and coping mechanisms when feelings of depression hit.
Antidepressants help you cope up and lessen the symptoms of your depression. Specifically, increased risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts and irritability have found to be associated with the use of antidepressants in some individuals. But, psychotherapies are also been shown to an effective method of treatment if you are suffering from depression. Psychodynamic Therapy is designed to help patients explore the full range of their emotions, including feelings they may not be aware of.
Exercising routinely and eating a healthy diet can also improve your mood and make depressive symptoms less severe. If stress is causing your depression, doing activities that help you feel calm, such as meditation or yoga, can relieve some symptoms of depression.
Dr. Neha Mehta, a leading clinical psychologist working in Hisar, having great concerns towards women’s mental health. She is treating mental health issues online as well as clinically at MY FIT BRAIN, HISAR.
