Depression Treatment For Women
Women play many roles: mother, wife and professional. They also have caregivers and friends. This can result in a lot stress. This, in conjunction with hormonal changes, can cause depression in women.
Some common symptoms of depression in women include irregular menstrual cycles, insomnia and mood swings. Other signs include premenstrual dysphoric disorders (PMDD) and bipolar disorder.
Causes
Many factors can trigger depression in women. This includes hormonal changes that occur during various phases of life (pregnancy and menstruation, perimenopause) and physical problems such anemia or low iron, and side effects from certain medications, including birth hormone therapy and control pills. Other causes include women's response to hormone fluctuations, stress and social pressures.
Depression is more prevalent in women than men. It is estimated that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression as males and this is largely because of the way symptoms manifest differently. For example women are more likely to report feelings of sadness and a loss of enthusiasm or pleasure, as well as feelings of guilt and desperation.
In addition, the onset of depression in women tends to be earlier, is longer-lasting and recurs more often than men. Also, some symptoms of depression, such as suicide are more likely to be reported by women than men. This is partly because women are more socially expected to express these feelings, and because of cultural and familial pressures to be strong.
Women are often juggling many obligations - they're mothers, wives, employees as well as caregivers for family members and loved ones. This can cause emotional ups & downs. However, these fluctuations can be more severe or last longer than those experienced by men and may interfere with the daily routine and relationships.
Depression in women is usually caused by hormonal changes. The hormonal changes that happen during perimenopausal periods can trigger emotional and physical fluctuations. Other causes of depression in women include premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is a more severe form of the "baby blues" that new mothers experience; and postpartum or perinatal depression, which occurs after the birth.
Women who suffer from depression can include medication, counselling or a combination of the two. If you choose to use medication, it is essential for women to know that antidepressants work better in certain individuals than in other people. It is important to be sure to select the correct dosage and medication. Women should also consider making healthy lifestyle changes including getting enough sleep and eating healthy and balanced meals. Some people also experience relief from depression symptoms by using self-help methods, like journaling, yoga, meditation or a healthy exercise program.
Symptoms
Females and females face distinct social, biological and hormonal challenges that increase their chances of developing depression. These include hormonal changes that occur during puberty and menstruation as along with pregnancy and childbirth.
Changes in mood during these times may cause a woman to become depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. These feelings can be difficult to manage on their own without help especially when they start interfering with daily life interactions and activities. Other symptoms of depression in women are sleeplessness, a lack of interest or pleasure from things that used to be enjoyable or enjoyable, feeling tired and sluggish most of the time and a constant low mood. Suicidal ideas and plans are a sign of severe depression. Those with this condition need to be treated with psychotherapy, medication, or both.
Many people experience mood swings and ups throughout the day or even weeks. However, these moods should not interfere with a woman's daily functioning and should not last longer than a few days before returning to normal. Women suffering from depression that interfere in their daily life and don't improve, should seek out an GP or a mental health professional.
If you are worried about a friend or family member, help them to seek treatment. You can help by educating yourself on the causes and symptoms that are associated with depression. You can also offer emotional support by providing them with support and helping them with the daily tasks.
For example when they are struggling to sleep, you could offer to take them for a few hours so they can sleep. You could also assist them by helping with their meals or other household chores. You can also help by taking them to their doctor to get a treatment plan or by offering to attend psychotherapy sessions with them.
During therapy, a person can learn healthy coping skills and become more adept at managing their symptoms. For some women, therapy is sufficient on its own while for others, antidepressant medication is required. Both therapies have high success rates when used in the right patient. For breastfeeding mothers psychiatrists can prescribe medications that are safe for mother and baby.
Treatment
Women have a higher risk of depression because of hormonal changes and fluctuations in their bodies. Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, miscarriage and postpartum depression are all causes that can cause depression. Women can also be affected by stressors such as relationship issues financial problems, as well as caring for children who are young or aging parents.
Self-care and treatment can ease depression symptoms. Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy or counselling) and antidepressant medication are frequently effective in alleviating depression symptoms, especially when combined. Psychotherapy focuses on acquiring coping skills and developing healthier relationships to help people deal with stressful life events. It can also be used to recognize and combat negative thinking, teaching people how to better respond to challenges. Antidepressants are medicines that help control mood by regulating hormones and increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Although everyone is sad or down at times depression is a severe mental health condition that affects the person's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Depression can make it hard to think clearly, to sleep well, or to be able to complete daily tasks. Fortunately depression treatment methods Iam Psychiatry can be treated by a psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. The GP can refer you one of these professionals, or you can search for them on healthdirect's Service Finder. You can get the rebate offered by Medicare for up 20 sessions per year with a licensed mental health professional.
Women may have trouble reaching for help when they are depressed because they feel ashamed or feel as if the depression they are experiencing is not real or serious. Talking to your family member or your friend, a support group or a trusted health professional is a great way to get the support you require. You can also try mindfulness, exercise and adequate sleeping, healthy eating and exposure to sunlight or bright artificial light to boost your mood. Making sure you take care of yourself and getting involved in your community can also help. Contact the Beyondblue Helpline at 1800 22 4636 for more information on how to manage depression or visit Healthdirect's Service Finder.
The following is a list of preventions.
Depression is a serious illness however, it can be treated. Encourage a woman who might be suffering from depression to seek help from a professional and adhere to the treatment plan. For example, help her to remember to take her medications and make sure she has transportation available or has access to appointments with a therapist. Make sure she knows that she's not alone and that her mood will improve with time and treatment.
Depression can be caused by a variety of things. Depression can be caused by physical conditions like diabetes or respiratory diseases. It can also be caused by lifestyle issues like poor nutrition and exercise inactivity and a harmful consumption of alcohol. Women who have a history or a family history of depression are more likely to suffer from depression themselves. Several studies have shown that certain prevention programs can reduce the risk of depression among women. For example, one programme known as ROSE (Reach Out Stay Strong, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) has been proven to reduce the risk of postpartum depression in low-income women by half in a series of trials.
Women should seek out help for depression-related symptoms. Ask your doctor to refer you to a psychiatrist. If a woman is having trouble taking care of her child or herself due to depression, she should seek assistance from a health provider immediately. She can ask a relative or a friend to look after her baby for a few 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 professionals. They can also make use of healthdirect's Service Finder in order to find a GP, mental health professional or to create a treatment program.