Depression Treatment For Women

Women play many roles: mother, wife and professional. They also have caregivers and friends. This can cause a lot stress. This, along with hormonal changes, can lead to depression in women.

Some of the most common symptoms of depression in women include abnormal periods, problems sleeping and mood swings. Other signs include pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and bipolar disorder.

Causes

Many factors can trigger depression in women. These include hormonal changes at various stages of life (pregnancy menstrual cycle menopausal symptoms) physical issues such as low iron and anemia or the side effects of certain medications such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Other causes are a woman's reaction to stress and a different response to hormonal fluctuations, as well as social pressures that differ between sexes.

Depression is more common in women than in men. It is estimated that women are twice more likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, and this is partly because the symptoms manifest differently. For example women are more likely to experience feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure as well as feelings of guilt and feeling unworthy.

Women are more likely to experience depression earlier, for longer, and with greater frequency than men. Also, some symptoms of depression, such as suicide are more likely be reported by women than by men. This is partly because women are more expected socially to express these feelings, and also because of cultural and familial pressures to be strong.

Women have a lot on their plate as wives, mothers employees, friends, and caregivers to family members and loved ones can result in emotional ups and downs. These emotional peaks and valleys can be more severe and last longer for women than for men. They can also interfere with daily activities and relationships.

Depression in women is often caused by hormonal changes. For instance, the period before menopause (perimenopause) can be a roller-coaster ride of physical and emotional fluctuations due to the hormonal changes that occur during this time. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, an extreme form of the "baby-blues" that new mothers may experience, as well as postpartum depression, also known as perinatal depressive disorder can also trigger depression in women.

Depression treatment for women can include medication, counselling or a combination of the two. If you decide to use medication, it is essential for women to know that antidepressants work better in certain people than others. Finding the right medication and dosage is crucial to success. Women should also think about making healthy lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy and balanced meals. Some people also find relief from depression symptoms by using self-help techniques, such as yoga, meditation, journaling or a healthy exercise program.

Signs and symptoms

Women and girls face unique hormonal, biological, and social problems that increase the risk for depression. These include hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth and menopausal and perimenopausal changes.

Mood changes at these times could cause women to feel depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. Those feelings are difficult to manage on their own without help, especially if they start interfering with daily life activities and relationships. Other signs of depression are difficulty sleeping and a lack of enthusiasm for things that used to be enjoyable being tired and sluggish most of the day, and a constant low mood. Anyone who suffer from severe depression, accompanied by suicidal ideas or plans to commit suicide should be treated using therapy, medication or both.

It is normal for many people to have ups and downs in their emotions throughout the day or week. These moods shouldn't impact a woman’s daily functioning and shouldn't last for more than two weeks before returning to normal. Women with depression symptoms that hinder their life and don't improve, should see the doctor or mental health professional.

Encourage your family member or friend to seek help if you are worried. You can provide support by learning about the causes and symptoms that are associated with major depression treatment. You can also offer emotional support by being there for them and helping with their everyday responsibilities.

For example when they are struggling to sleep it is possible to take them for an hour so they can sleep. You could help them by helping them with household chores or meals. You can also help them by taking them to the doctor for a plan of treatment or by offering to go to sessions with them in psychotherapy.

During therapy, patients can develop healthy coping strategies and improve their ability manage their symptoms. For some women, therapy can be sufficient on its own while for others, antidepressant medication is required. Both treatments are highly effective when used by the right person. For women who are breastfeeding psychiatrists can prescribe medication that is safe for both mother and baby.

Treatment

Women are at a greater than average chance of depression because of hormonal fluctuations and changes in their bodies. Menstruation, pregnancy miscarriage, postpartum depression treatment depression and miscarriage are all causes that can cause depression. Women are also often stressed by relationship problems, financial difficulties, and caring of children who are young or elderly parents.

Treatment and self-care can relieve depression symptoms. Talk therapy (also called counselling or psychotherapy), antidepressant medications, and their combination is often successful in reducing the symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy focuses on the development of healthy relationships and coping skills to help individuals manage stressful life events. It can also help to identify and challenge negative thoughts, and help people learn how to deal with the challenges. Antidepressants help regulate mood by controlling hormones and boosting serotonin levels in the brain.

While everyone feels down or sad every now and then, depression is a severe mental health condition that impacts the person's thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Depression can make it difficult to think clearly or to sleep well or to be able to accomplish everyday tasks. Fortunately depression can be treated by 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 receive the rebate offered by Medicare for up to 20 sessions a year with a registered mental health professional.

Some women are unable to reach out to get help when they are depressed, because they feel guilt-ridden or believe that their depression is not serious or real. However, talking to a trusted friend or family member or a support group a trusted health professional, or a helpline like Beyondblue are all great ways to get the help you need. You can also boost your mood by practicing mindfulness, exercising and sleeping enough, eating healthily, and expose yourself to bright, artificial or natural light. You can also improve your mood by taking care of yourself, and getting involved in the community. Call the Beyondblue Helpline at 1800 22 4636 for more information about coping with depression treatment goals, or visit Healthdirect's Service Finder.

Prevention

Depression is a serious illness, but it can also be treated. Help a woman you know who may be suffering from depression to seek help from a professional and adhere to the treatment plan. For instance, you can help her to remember to take her medication and ensure that she has transportation available or has access to appointments with a therapist. Remind her that she's not the only one 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 triggered by lifestyle issues such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. Women who have a history of depression or an ancestor with a history of depression are more at chance of developing depression themselves. Some studies show that certain prevention programmes can lower the risk of depression among women. For instance, one program known as ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong Essentials for mothers of infants) has been proven to reduce the risk of postpartum depression among women with low incomes by half in a number of studies.

Women should seek out help when they experience depression-related symptoms. Consult your health care provider to refer you to a mental health professional. If a woman is having trouble caring for herself or her baby because of depression, she must seek assistance from a health provider right away. She can ask a friend or relative to watch the baby for a few hours or join a support group for new mothers.

Beyond blue provides information and support to women, and includes a video-call service with maternal child nurses. Healthdirect also offers Service Finder to find a GP, mental health professional or make an intervention plan.