Depression and Women

By Tyonna Gilbert
Depression is a mood disorder that is very common in women. It affects your social life, your personal relationships, careers, and sense of self-worth. Most don’t get the help that they need due to the stigma that it carries. The symptoms of depression varies from person to person, the intensity of symptoms depends on how severe the depression is. Without proper treatment the symptoms can last from weeks, months, or years. Signs and symptoms of depression include:
~Feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness
~Suicidal thoughts or recurrent thoughts of death
~Sleep disturbances
~Loss of appetite
~Weight changes
~Lack of energy and fatigue
~Difficulty concentrating
Causes of depression in women are related to several factors such as biological, psychological, and social factors. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and after childbirth can contribute to depression. Women often suffer from role strain which causes conflicting and overwhelming responsibilities in their lives. Sexual and physical abuse contributes to depression in women.
The first step in receiving treatment is to visit a doctor. Certain medications and some medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as depression. A physical examination, interview, and lab test can rule out these possibilities. Once the medical condition is rule out, the doctor can conduct a psychological evaluation or make a referral to a mental healthcare professional.
The most commonly used treatments for depression are psychotherapy and antidepressant medication, or a combination of the two. Which treatment is used depends on the nature and severity of the depression. Psychotherapy is supportive counseling which addresses the hopelessness of depression. Cognitive therapy focus on changing negative ways of thinking and behaving that contribute to depression. Interpersonal therapy helps deals with stressful relationships and how to manage them.
Medication doesn’t cure the depression; it helps you feel better by controlling the symptoms.
The medication used for depression is called antidepressants, which regulates the mood. The medication must be taken for at least three to four weeks before a therapeutic effect occurs. Medication needs to be taken even if you are feeling better, to prevent a relapse of depression.
You can maintain a normal life if you follow the treatment regimen that was prescribe to you by a mental healthcare provider.

www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/women.htm
www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_women.htm
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression

Note: This material was created by Tyonna Gilbert RN with minor editing by Shirley Comer Rn. The content is indented as information only. Please consult your primary health care provider before beginning or changing your healthcare regimen.