Depression Treatment For Women
Women are juggling many roles - mother, wife professional, friend and caregiver - that can create stress levels. This, plus hormone changes, can lead to depression in women.
The most common signs of depression in women include irregular menstrual cycles, insomnia and mood swings. Other symptoms include premenstrual and dysphoric disorders (PMDD) and bipolar disorder.
Causes
Women are susceptible to depression for a variety of reasons. This includes hormonal changes that occur during different stages of life (pregnancy and menstruation, perimenopause), as well as physical issues like anemia or low iron levels, and side effects from certain medications, such as birth hormone therapy and control pills. Other causes include a woman's response to stress, hormonal fluctuations and social pressures.
Depression is more common among women than men. Women are believed to be twice more likely than men to be diagnosed with Depression. This is due to the various symptoms women exhibit. Women are more likely than men to report emotions like sadness, lack of interest, or enjoyment. They might be feeling guilty and unimportant.
Additionally the onset of depression in women tends to be earlier, lasts longer, and is more frequent than men. Also, some symptoms of depression, such as suicide, are more likely to be reported by women than by men. This is partly because women are more socially expected to voice their feelings and also because of the pressures from family and culture to be strong.
Women have a lot of work to do on their plate being wives, mothers and employees, as well as friends, and caregivers to family members and loved ones can cause emotional downs and ups. However, these emotional fluctuations can be more severe or last longer than those experienced by men and may interfere with everyday activities and relationships.
Depression in women is usually caused by hormonal changes. For instance, the time prior to menopausal (perimenopause) can be a roller-coaster ride of emotional and physical ups and downs because of the hormonal shifts that occur during this period. Premenstrual dysphoric disorders are an extreme form of the "baby-blues" that new mothers might experience, and postpartum depression, also known as perinatal depressive disorder can also trigger depression in women.
Women can treat depression using counseling, medication or a combination. Women who decide to take medication must be aware that some antidepressants are more efficient than others. Taking the time to find the right dosage and medication is crucial for success. Women should also make lifestyle changes like getting enough rest and eating a well-balanced diet. Self-help methods such as yoga or meditation, journaling, or a regular workout routine can help relieve depression symptoms.
Symptoms
Girls and women are at increased risk of depression due to specific social, hormonal and biological problems. These include hormonal changes during puberty menstrual cycles, pregnancy and childbirth, as well as menopausal and perimenopausal cycles.
The mood swings at these times could cause a woman to become anxious, lonely or depressed. These emotions are difficult to manage on their own without help especially when they start disrupting daily interactions and activities. Other signs of depression are difficulty sleeping or sleeping, a decrease in interest in activities that used to be fun being tired and slow for the majority of the day, and a constantly low mood. Suicidal thoughts and intentions are a sign of depression that is severe. People suffering from this condition must be treated with therapy, medication or both.
It is normal for people to have fluctuations in their moods throughout the week or day. However these moods should not interfere with a woman's daily functioning and should not last more than a few days before returning to normal. Women who have symptoms of depression that affect their daily routine and do not improve should consult a doctor or mental health professional.
If you are concerned about a family member, encourage them to seek treatment. You can also provide assistance by learning more about signs and causes of depression. You can also offer emotional assistance by being there for them and helping them with their daily responsibilities.
You could, for instance you could offer to take your baby for a few hours if they have trouble sleeping. You could also assist them by offering to help with mealtimes or other household chores. You can also help them by taking them to a doctor for a treatment plan treatment or by offering to go to sessions of psychotherapy together.
During therapy, a person can learn healthy coping skills and get better at managing their symptoms. Some women can cope with just psychotherapy, while others may require antidepressant drugs. Both treatments have high success rates when used in the appropriate patient. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication that is safe for mother and babies to women who are nursing.
Treatment
Women are more at chance of developing depression due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in their bodies. Pregnancy, menstrual cycle, miscarriage and postpartum depression are all factors that can cause depression. Women may also experience stressors like relationship problems, financial difficulties and caring for young children or aging parents.
Depression symptoms can be cured with treatment and self-care techniques. Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy or counseling) as well as antidepressant medications and their combination is often successful in reducing the symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy focuses on learning strategies for coping and building healthier relationships to help people deal with stressful life events. It can also help to identify and combat negative thoughts, teaching people how to deal with difficulties. Antidepressants are medicines that help regulate mood by controlling hormones and boosting serotonin levels within the brain.
While everyone feels sad or down from time to time Depression is a serious mental health issue that impacts a person's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Depression can make it hard to think clearly and sleep well, or to be able to complete daily tasks. Depression can be treated by a psychiatrist, social worker, psychologist or a counsellor. You can request an appointment with your GP or search for one using the Healthdirect Service Finder. You can get a rebate from Medicare for up 20 sessions per year with a registered mental health professional.
Some women are reluctant to seek help when they're suffering from depression, either because they are embarrassed or they think their depression isn't serious. Talking to someone in your family or a an acquaintance or a support group, or a trusted health care professional can be a great way to get the support you need. You can also boost your mood by practicing mindfulness, exercising, getting enough sleep eating a balanced diet, and exposure to bright natural or artificial light. Being mindful of your health and getting involved in your community can help. Call the Beyondblue Helpline at 1800 22 4636 for more information about coping with depression, or visit Healthdirect's Service Finder.
Prevention
Depression is a serious illness, but it can also be treated. Encourage a woman you know who might be suffering from depression to seek out professional help and stick to the treatment plan. Help her remember to take her medication, and ensure that she has transportation to her therapy appointments. Remind her that she's not alone and remind her that with time and treatment her mood will improve.
Depression can be caused by many things. It can be triggered by physical ailments like heart disease, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. It can also be triggered by unhealthy lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise and harmful alcohol use. Women with a history of or a family background of depression are more likely to develop depression themselves. Numerous studies have demonstrated that certain prevention programs can lower the risk of depression in women. For example, one programme called ROSE (Reach Out and Stay Strong Essentials for mothers of infants) has been shown to cut the rate of postpartum depression among women with low incomes by half in a series of research studies.
holistic depression treatment for women to seek assistance when they experience depression-related symptoms. Consult your health care provider to refer you to a mental specialist. A woman who is depressed and experiencing difficulties caring for her child or herself must seek immediate help from a healthcare provider. You can ask a family member or a friend to look after her child for a couple of hours or join an online support group.
Women can call Beyond Blue for assistance and information as well as a video-call service with maternal child health nurses. They can also use healthdirect's Service Finder to find a GP or mental health professional and create a treatment plan.