Depression Treatment For Women
Women play many different roles - mother, wife professional, friend, and caregiver - that can cause a lot of stress. This, in conjunction with hormonal changes, can cause depression in women.
Symptoms of depression in women can include mood swings sleep problems and abnormal periods. Other signs include premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD) and bipolar disorder.
Causes
There are many things that can trigger depression in women. These include hormonal changes at various stages of life (pregnancy menstrual cycle, pregnancy, perimenopause) physical issues like anemia and low iron, or the side effects of certain medications like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Other causes are the woman's response to stress, a different response to hormonal fluctuations, and social pressures that are different for females and males.
Depression is more common among women than in men. It is estimated that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than males, and this is partly because the symptoms manifest differently. Women are more likely than men to experience feelings such as sadness, lack of interest or pleasure. They may be feeling guilty and unimportant.
In addition the onset of depression in women tends to be earlier, lasts longer, and occurs more frequently than men. Additionally, certain symptoms of depression, such as suicide are more likely to be reported by women than by men. This is due to the fact that women are more expected socially to voice their feelings and also because of cultural and family pressures to be strong.
Women have a lot to do on their plate - being mothers, wives and employees, as well as friends, and caregivers to family members and loved ones can lead to emotional turmoil and downs. These emotional peaks and valleys can be more severe and last longer for women than men. They can also interfere with relationships and daily activities.
Hormonal changes are usually a key factor in depression in women. For example, the time before menopause (perimenopause) can be a rollercoaster ride of emotional and physical ups and downs because of the hormonal shifts that happen during this time. Premenstrual dysphoric disorders are a more severe version of the "baby-blues" that new moms may experience, and postpartum depression, also known as perinatal depressive disorder can cause depression in women.
Women who suffer from depression can include counselling, medication, or a combination of the two. Women who decide to take medication must be aware that certain antidepressants are more effective than others. Taking the time to find the right medication and dosage is essential to achieve success. Women should also consider making healthy lifestyle changes like getting enough sleep and eating a balanced diet. Some people also experience relief from depression symptoms using self-help techniques, such as meditation, yoga, journaling or a regular exercise routine.
Symptoms
Women and girls are at increased risk of depression due to unique biological, hormonal, and social problems. These include hormonal changes in puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and childbirth, and menopausal and perimenopausal changes.
Changes in mood at these times could cause a woman to become anxious, lonely or depressed. Those emotions are difficult to manage without help, especially if they start disrupting daily activities and relationships. Other symptoms of depression are difficulty sleeping and a lack of enthusiasm for things that used to be enjoyable and feeling exhausted and sluggish throughout the time, and constantly low mood. Those suffering from severe depression accompanied by active suicidal thoughts or plans should be treated with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Many people experience mood swings and ups throughout the day, or even week. However depression treatment recommendations affect a woman's everyday functioning and should not last more than several days before returning to normal. Women with symptoms of depression that hinder their daily life and do not improve consult a doctor or a mental health professional.
If you are worried about a family member, help them to seek help. You can provide support by learning about the causes and symptoms that are associated with depression. You can also provide emotional support by providing them with support and helping with their daily responsibilities.
For instance when they are having difficulty sleeping and you want to help, you can offer to take the baby for some time so that they can sleep. You could also help them by offering to help with their meals or other household chores. You can also help by bringing them to their doctor to get a treatment plan or by inviting them to attend sessions of psychotherapy with them.
In therapy, a person can learn healthy coping techniques and increase their ability to manage symptoms. Some women can get by with just psychotherapy, while others may need antidepressant medications. Both treatments have high rates of success in the appropriate patient. For women who are breastfeeding, a psychiatrist can prescribe medication that is safe for mother and baby.
Treatment
Women have a higher risk of developing depression due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in their bodies. Menstruation, pregnancy, miscarriage and postpartum depression are all reasons that could lead to depression. Women may also experience stressors such as relationship issues financial problems, as well as caring for young children or elderly parents.
Symptoms of depression can be cured with treatment and self-care strategies. Talk therapy (also called psychotherapy or counseling) and antidepressant medication and their combination are often successful in reducing the symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy focuses on learning ways to cope and building stronger relationships to help people cope with stressful life events. It can also be used to detect and challenge negative thinking by teaching people how to better respond to the challenges. Antidepressants are medications that aid in regulating mood by controlling hormones and boosting serotonin levels within the brain.
While everyone feels sad or down every now and then, depression is a severe mental health condition that affects people's feelings, thoughts and behavior. Depression can make it difficult to concentrate and sleep well, as well as get the energy needed to do daily tasks. Fortunately, depression can be treated by psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor. The GP can refer you one of these professionals, or you can locate them using healthdirect's Service Finder. Medicare will pay for up to 20 sessions every year with a licensed mental health professional.
Some women have difficulty reaching for help when they're depressed, because they feel guilt-ridden or believe that the depression they are experiencing is not serious or real. Talking to a family member or an acquaintance or a support group, or a trusted health professional can be a great option to receive the help you need. You can also try mindfulness, exercise and adequate sleeping, healthy eating and exposure to sunlight or bright artificial light to improve your mood. Taking care of yourself and being involved in your community can help. For more information on coping with depression, contact the Beyondblue Helpline on 1800 22 4636 or visit healthdirect's Service Finder.
The following is a list of preventions.
Depression is a serious condition however, it can be treated. Help a woman you know who might be suffering from depression to seek out professional help and adhere to the treatment plan. For instance, you can aid her in remembering to take her medication and make sure she has transportation available or has access to appointments with a therapy. Remind her that she's not the only one and that her mood will improve with time and treatment.
There are many things that can trigger depression. Depression can be caused by physical conditions like diabetes or respiratory diseases. It can also be triggered by lifestyle issues such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. Women with an history of depression or a family history of depression are more at risk of developing it. Some studies show that certain prevention programs can reduce the risk of depression in women. For instance, a program called ROSE (Reach Out and Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) has been proven to reduce the risk of postpartum depression among women with low incomes by half in a series of research studies.
It is essential for women to seek assistance for depression if they are experiencing symptoms. Ask your health care provider to refer you to a mental health professional. A woman who is depressed and experiencing difficulty caring for her baby or herself should seek immediate help from a healthcare provider. She could ask a family member or family member to look after the baby for a couple of hours, or she can join a support group for new mothers.
Beyond blue offers information and support to women, including a video-call service with child nurse mothers. They can also make use of healthdirect's Service Finder in order to find a GP, mental health professional, or create an intervention plan.