Here are the facts about Depression in Women:
In the U.S., about 15 million people experience depression each
year. The Majority of Them are Women. Unfortunately, nearly Two-Thirds Do Not
Get the Help They Need.
Depression in women is very common. In fact, women are Twice As
Likely to develop clinical depression as men. Up to One in Four Women is likely
to have an episode of major depression at some point in life.
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression is a serious and pervasive mood disorder. It
causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness.
Depression can be mild to moderate with symptoms of apathy, little appetite,
difficulty sleeping, low self-esteem, and low-grade fatigue. Or it can be more
severe.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN?
Symptoms of depression in women include:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
- Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MANIA IN WOMEN?
Mania is
a highly elevated mood that can occur with Bipolar Disorder. Moods in bipolar disorder swing
from the lows of depression to the highs of mania. Even though mania is an
elevated mood, it is serious and needs medical assessment and treatment.
The symptoms of mania include:
- Abnormally elevated mood
- Irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Grandiose ideas
- Greatly increased talking
- Racing thoughts
- Increased activity, including sexual activity
- Markedly increased energy
- Poor judgment that can lead to risk-taking behavior
- Inappropriate social behavior
WHY IS DEPRESSION IN WOMEN MORE COMMON THAN DEPRESSION IN MEN?
Before adolescence, the rate of depression is about the same
in girls and boys. However, with the onset of puberty, a girl's risk of
developing depression increases dramatically to twice that of boys.
Some
experts believe that the increased chance of depression in women may be related
to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman's life. These changes are evident during puberty,
pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after giving birth or experiencing a
miscarriage. In addition, the hormone
fluctuations that occur with each month's menstrual cycle probably contribute
to premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, and premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, or PMDD -- a severe syndrome marked especially by
depression, anxiety, and mood swings that occurs the week before menstruation
and interferes with normal functioning of daily life.
WHAT INCREASES THE CHANCES OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN?
According
to the National
Institutes of Health, factors that increase the risk of depression
in women include reproductive, genetic,
or other biological factors; interpersonal factors; and certain psychological
and personality characteristics. In
addition, women juggling work with raising kids and women who are single
parents suffer more stress that may trigger symptoms of depression. Other
factors that could increase risk include:
- Family history of mood disorders
- History of mood disorders in early reproductive years
- Loss of a parent before age 10
- Loss of social support system or the threat of such a loss
- Ongoing psychological and social stress, such as loss of a job, relationship stress, separation or divorce
- Physical or sexual abuse as a child
- Use of certain medications
Women
can also get postpartum
depression after the birth of a baby.
Some people get seasonal
affective disorder in the winter. Depression is one part of bipolar disorder.
IS DEPRESSION HEREDITARY?
Depression can run in families. When it does, it generally starts
between the ages of 15 and 30. A family link to depression is much more common
in women.
HOW DOES DEPRESSION IN WOMEN DIFFER FROM DEPRESSION IN MEN?
Depression in women differs from depression in men in
several ways:
- Depression in women may occur earlier, last longer, be more likely to recur, be more likely to be associated with stressful life events, and be more sensitive to seasonal changes.
- Women are more likely to experience guilty feelings and attempt suicide, although they actually commit suicide less often than men.
- Depression in women is more likely to be associated with anxiety disorders, especially panic and phobic symptoms, and eating disorders.
- Depressed women are more likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs.
HOW ARE PMS AND PMDD RELATED TO DEPRESSION IN WOMEN?
As many as three out of every four menstruating women
experience premenstrual syndrome or PMS. PMS
is a disorder characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that fluctuate
in intensity from one menstrual cycle to the next. Women in their 20s or 30s
are usually affected.
About 3% to 5% of menstruating women experience premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD. PMDD is a
severe form of PMS, marked by highly emotional and physical symptoms that
usually become more severe seven to 10 days before the onset of menstruation.
In the last decade, these conditions have become recognized
as important causes of discomfort and behavioral change in women. While the
precise link between PMS, PMDD, and Depression is still unclear, chemical changes
in the brain and fluctuating hormone levels are both thought to be contributing
factors.
HOW ARE PMS AND PMDD TREATED?
Many women who suffer with Depression along with
PMS or PMDD find improvement through exercise or meditation. For individuals
with severe symptoms, medicine, individual or group psychotherapy, or stress
management may be helpful.
DOES DEPRESSION IN WOMEN OCCUR DURING PREGNANCY?
Pregnancy has long been viewed as a period of well-being
that protected women against psychiatric disorders. But depression in women
occurs almost as commonly in pregnant women as it does in those who are not
pregnant. The factors which increase the risk of depression in women during
pregnancy are:
- A history of depression or PMDD
- Age at time of pregnancy -- the younger you are, the higher the risk
- Living alone
- Limited social support
- Marital conflict
- Uncertainty about the pregnancy
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF DEPRESSION ON PREGNANCY?
The potential impact of depression on a pregnancy includes
the following:
- Depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself during pregnancy. She may be less able to follow medical recommendations and to sleep and eat properly.
- Depression can cause a woman to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs, which could harm the baby.
- Depression can make bonding with the baby difficult.
Pregnancy may have the following impact on
depression in women:
- The stresses of pregnancy can cause depression or a recurrence or worsening of depression symptoms.
- Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk for having depression after delivery (called postpartum depression).
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF I'M DEPRESSED DURING PREGNANCY?
Preparing for a new baby is lots of hard work. But your
health should come first. Resist the urge to get everything done, cut down on
your chores, and do things that will help you relax. In addition, talking about
things that concern you is very important. Talk to your friends, your partner,
and your family. If you ask for support, you will find you often get it.
If you're feeling down and anxious, consider seeking
therapy. Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral to a mental health care
professional.
HOW IS DEPRESSION IN WOMEN TREATED DURING PREGNANCY?
Growing
evidence suggests that many of the currently available antidepressant medicines are safe for treating depression during
pregnancy, at least in terms of the potential short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects continue to be studied.
Risks can differ depending on medication. Untreated depression can put both
mother and infant at risk. Also, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is often considered to be the safest and most
effective treatment for severe depression during pregnancy.
You should discuss the possible risks and benefits
of treatment with your doctor.
HOW IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION IN WOMEN TREATED?
Postpartum depression, or depression following childbirth, can be treated like other forms of
depression. That means using medicines
and/or psychotherapy. If a woman is breastfeeding, the decision to take an
antidepressant must be made with her doctor after a discussion of risks and
benefits. According
to the NIH, antidepressant use by a nursing mother does not affect her infant.
DOES THE PREVALENCE OF DEPRESSION IN WOMEN INCREASE AT MIDLIFE?
Perimenopause is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins
eight to 10 years before menopause. In the last one to two years of
perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women
experience menopausal symptoms.
Menopause is
the period of time when a woman stops having her monthly period and experiences
symptoms related to the lack of estrogen production. By definition, a woman is in menopause after her periods have stopped
for one year. Menopause typically
occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s. However, women who have their
ovaries surgically removed undergo "sudden" menopause.
The
drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical
and emotional changes -- such as depression or anxiety. Like at any other point
in a woman's life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical
and emotional symptoms. Some physical
changes include irregular or skipped periods, heavier or lighter periods, and
hot flashes.
HOW CAN I COPE WITH SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE?
There are many ways you can ease menopause symptoms and
maintain your health. These tips include ways to cope with mood swings, fears,
and depression:
- Eat healthfully and exercise regularly.
- Engage in a creative outlet or hobby that fosters a sense of achievement.
- Find a self-calming skill to practice -- such as yoga, meditation, or slow, deep breathing.
- Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats and disturbed sleep.
- Seek emotional support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor when needed.
- Stay connected with your family and community and nurture your friendships.
- Take medicines, vitamins, and minerals as prescribed by your doctor.
- Take steps such as wearing loose clothing to stay cool during hot flashes.
HOW IS DEPRESSION IN WOMEN TREATED?
There are a variety of methods used to treat depression,
including medications such as antidepressants, brain stimulation techniques
like ECT, and psychotherapy.
Family therapy may be helpful if family stress adds to your
depression. Your mental health care provider will determine the best course of
treatment for you. If you are uncertain whom to call for help with depression,
check out the following list from the National
Institute of Mental Health:
- Community mental health centers
- Employee assistance programs
- Family doctors
- Family service/social agencies
- Health maintenance organizations
- Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
- Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
- Mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
- Private clinics and facilities
- State hospital outpatient clinics
- University or medical school affiliated programs
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by Joseph Goldberg, MD on May 04, 2013
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. WebMD and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Sites. Reliance on any information provided by WebMD, WebMD employees, others appearing on the Site at the invitation of WebMD, and Self-Care With Dr. Shermaine or other visitors to the Sites is solely at your own risk.
HERE'S SOME ADDITIONAL ADVICE FROM "THE DOCTORS" AN AWARD WINNING TV SHOW.
Depression affects different people in different ways. If these
symptoms sound familiar and happen often, talk to your doctor.
Persistent sadness. Emptiness. Hopelessness. Those are the words
many of us link to Depression – those symptoms listed on pamphlets at the
doctor’s office and antidepressant commercials tell us to look for.
But depression
affects different people in different ways: for some, it can lead to those dark
feelings and thoughts that impact daily life and become debilitating; for
others, the signs may be a little less obvious. What we know for everyone: Depression is not a
simple bout with the blues and you can’t just snap out of it; it’s a serious
medical illness that requires treatment.
An estimated one in 10 adults in the USA are
Depressed. To help you recognize it,
take an anonymous depression screening online at www. HelpYourselfHelpOthers.org or consider these additional signs and symptoms.
If they sound familiar (for you or
someone close to you) and happen often, talk to your doctor.
1. YOU LOSE INTEREST
IN FAVORITE ACTIVITIES: You’ll do what you have to, like go to work and
grocery shop, but the things you did
simply for pleasure – such as playing tennis or reading – you can’t seem to
find the desire or energy. You may also start to distance yourself from
loved ones and lose interest in sex.
2. YOU’RE EASILY
IRRITATED: What used to be no big
deal – like a slow moving checkout line or too-talkative telemarketer – is now
infuriating. You may be more restless or anxious. Men, in particular, tend
to get angrier or more aggressive faster if they’re depressed. Women’s
symptoms, on the other hand, are typically more based in feelings of sadness,
worthlessness and guilt.
3. YOU CAN’T
CONCENTRATE: We all get a little
scatterbrained now and then, but if you feel like you’re in a fog often, can’t
remember appointments, get distracted quickly and have a tough time making
decisions, it may be something else. Excessive tiredness is another
hallmark symptom, in which mundane tasks, such as picking up dinner or stopping
at the dry cleaners, seem to take a ton of effort.
4. YOU EAT LESS AND
SLEEP MORE: Or you eat more and
sleep less. Either way, big changes in appetite and bedtime routines can be
a sign of depression.
5. YOU HAVE
UNEXPLAINED PAIN: Many conditions can cause headaches, backaches, cramps
and other physical ailments – and
depression is one of them. The two
are closely connected: people with
chronic pain have three times the average risk of developing mood disorders,
say some experts, and depressed patients have three times the risk of
developing chronic pain.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT DEPRESSION:
1. WOMEN: Women
ages 18 to 45 account for the largest proportion of people suffering from
depression.
2. MEN: Four
times as many men as women die by suicide in the United States.
3. YOUNG ADULTS: Nearly
half of all college students report feeling so depressed at some point that
they have trouble functioning.
4. OLDER ADULTS:
Depression in its many forms affects more than 6.5 million of the 35 million
Americans who are 65 or older.
Source: Screening for Mental Health, Inc.
DEPRESSION, A BRIEF BIBLICAL VIEW:
The word “Depressed”
literally means “Pressed
Down”, that is, not up to your usual bounce.
Saul was
depressed because he felt rejected. He had been chosen to be king and pledged
to obey God’s Word; but he made his own rules, did not follow the Lord, and
when caught, he blamed the people (1 Samuel 15:24, “And Saul said to Samuel, I have sinned; for
I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I
feared the people and obeyed their voice” AMP).
Samuel, under divine
direction, anointed David to be king (1 Samuel 16:13, “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and
anointed David in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came
mightily upon David from that day forward. And Samuel arose and went to Ramah”
AMP) and even as the Spirit of the Lord came upon David, “…the Spirit of the
Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him”
(1 Samuel 16:14
NKJV). Such a “Distressing Spirit” would be understood as a form
of Depression. “Distress” is defined as “extreme anxiety
or suffering”. Its Old French Origin “Destresce”, from Latin “Distringere”
literally means “To
Stretch Apart”. If you’ve ever heard a person say “I feel like I’m
falling apart”, this is where it comes from. Which is ironic, because on the flip side of this, David, on the other
hand was blessed while in “Distress”: “O God, you have declared me perfect in your
eyes; you have always cared for me in my distress; now hear me as I call again.
Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.” (Psalm 4:1 TLB).
Saul’s depression was rooted in the fact that he had disobeyed God’s
clear direction for his life. David, on the other hand, was rejected by his own
family as well as by some of his best friends for following God’s leading, go
figure. When this happened however, he cried out to the Lord (Psalm 6:2-3, “Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O
Lord, for I am weak (faint and withered away); O Lord, heal me, for my bones
are troubled. My [inner] self [as well as my body] is also exceedingly
disturbed and troubled. But You, O Lord, how long [until You return and speak peace to me]?” AMP).
When a woman is troubled with Depression, God has a plan for her
healing too:
1. LONG FOR HIM (Psalm 42:1-2, “As
the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so I pant and long for You, O
God. My inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and
behold the face of God?” AMP)
2. CALL OUT TO HIM (Psalm 3:4, “With my
voice I cry to the Lord, and He hears and answers me out of His holy hill.
Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” AMP)
3. REST IN HIM (Psalm 3:5, “I lay
down and slept; I wakened again, for the Lord sustains me” AMP; Psalm 23:2, “He
makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the
still and restful waters” AMP)
4. KNOW THAT HE HEARS (Psalm 6:8, Depart
from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the Lord has heard the voice of my
weeping” AMP; Psalm 31:22, “As for me, I said in my haste and alarm, I am cut
off from before Your eyes. But You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried
to You for aid” AMP)
5. RECOGNIZE THAT HE SEES (Psalm
10:14, “You have seen it; yes, You note trouble and grief (vexation) to requite
it with Your hand. The unfortunate commits himself to You; You are the helper
of the fatherless” AMP; Psalm 34:15, “The eyes of the Lord are toward the
[uncompromisingly] righteous and His ears are open to their cry” AMP)
6. ACKNOWLEDGE THAT HE WILL KEEP YOU (Psalm 17:8, “Keep and guard me as the pupil of Your eye;
hide me in the shadow of Your wings” AMP; Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to
those who are of a broken heart and saves such as are crushed with sorrow for
sin and are humbly and thoroughly penitent” AMP)
7. PRAISE GOD (Psalm 35:17-18,
“Lord, how long will You look on [without action]? Rescue my life from their
destructions, my dear and only life from the lions! I will give You thanks in
the great assembly; I will praise You among a mighty throng” AMP ; Psalm 109:30,
“I will give great praise and thanks to the Lord with my mouth; yes, and I will
praise Him among the multitude” AMP)
8. SEEK RESTORATION AND WITNESS TO OTHERS (Psalm 51:12-13, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and
uphold me with a willing spirit. Then will I teach transgressors Your ways, and
sinners shall be converted and return to You” AMP)
9. KEEP PRAYING (Psalm 55:16-17, 22,
“As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and
morning and at noon will I utter my complaint and moan and sigh, and He will
hear my voice” AMP)
KINGDOM DAUGHTERS, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ALLOW DEPRESSION TO DEFEAT
YOU! FIGHT BACK! AND FIGHT HARD! IT WILL TAKE TIME, BUT YOU CAN AND YOU WILL
RECOVER! THERE IS HELP, DO NOT SUFFER IN SILENCE! THERE IS HELP FOR YOU PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY, SPIRITUALLY, MENTALLY, SOCIALLY AND MORE! REACH OUT FOR HELP, EVEN IF YOUR HAND IS A LITTLE WEAK AND YOUR WRIST A LITTLE LIMP! HELP IS NIGH, DON'T LOSE YOUR HOPE, WE ALL NEED YOUR LIFE! YOU ARE VITAL, RELEVANT, IMPORTANT, NECESSARY, LOVED, NEEDED, WANTED, CHERISHED, TREASURED! DON'T EVER FORGET THAT YOUR LIFE MATTERS AND HAS MEANING! AND GOD STILL HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR IT!
Much Love, Dr.Shermaine #InformativeRead #PleaseShare #HealthyBodySoulAndSpirit #IWantYou2Live
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"It's Not Selfish to Love Yourself, Take Care of Yourself and to Make Your Happiness a Priority. It's a Necessity." (Mandy Hale)
"Self-Care is Not Selfish. You Cannot Serve From an Empty Vessel." (Eleanor Brown)
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