Depression Treatment For Women
Women play many roles, including wife, mother and professional. They also have caregivers and friends. This can cause lots of stress. This, combined with hormonal changes, can cause depression in women.
The signs of depression in women can include mood swings, irregular periods and sleep issues. Other symptoms include pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and bipolar disorder.
Causes
Many factors can trigger depression in women. These include hormonal changes at various times in life (pregnancy, menstrual cycle, perimenopause) physical issues such as low iron and anemia or side effects from some drugs like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy. Other causes include women's response to stress, hormonal fluctuations and social pressures.
Depression is more common in women than men. Women are estimated to be twice more likely than men to be diagnosed with depression. This is partly due to the various symptoms women experience. Women are more likely than men to experience feelings such as sadness, lack of interest or pleasure. They might also feel guilty and worthless.
Women are more likely to suffer depression earlier, for longer, and with greater frequency than men. Women are more likely than men to experience certain signs of depression such as suicide. This is due to the fact that women are more socially expected to express these feelings, and because of cultural and family pressures to be strong.
Women often have many obligations - they're mothers, wives, workers, friends, and caregivers for family members or a loved ones. This can lead to emotional ups & downs. But these fluctuations can be more severe or last longer than those experienced by men, and can interfere with everyday activities and relationships.
Hormonal changes are often an important factor in depression in women. For instance, the period before menopausal (perimenopause) can be a roller-coaster ride of physical and emotional fluctuations due to the hormonal shifts that occur during this time. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, an extreme form of the "baby-blues" that new moms may experience, as well as postpartum depression or perinatal depression disorder can also trigger depression in women.
Women can be treated for depression using counseling, medication or a combination. Women who choose to use medication should be aware that some antidepressants are more efficient than others. It is essential to take the time to choose the correct dosage and medication. Women should also think about making healthy lifestyle changes including getting enough sleep and eating an appropriate diet. Self-help techniques like meditation or yoga, journaling, or a healthy exercise routine can aid in relieving depression symptoms.
Symptoms
Women and girls face unique social, biological and hormonal issues that increase their risk of developing depression. These include hormonal changes in puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and childbirth and perimenopause and menopause.
Mood changes during these times can cause a woman to become depressed, lonely, or overwhelmed. These feelings can be difficult to manage without assistance especially when they start disrupting daily interactions and activities. Other signs of depression include trouble sleeping or sleeping, a decrease in interest in things that were once enjoyable, feeling tired and sluggish throughout the time, and constant low mood. Those who suffer from severe depression, accompanied by active suicidal thoughts or plans should be treated with therapy, medication or both.
Many people experience ups and downs throughout the day or weeks. However these moods should not interfere with a woman's daily functioning and should not last more than one or two days before returning to normal. Women who have depression symptoms that interfere with their daily routine and don't improve, should see a GP or a mental health professional.
If you are concerned about a friend or family member, encourage them to seek treatment. You can also provide assistance by learning about the causes and symptoms of depression. You can also offer emotional assistance by being there for them and helping them with their daily responsibilities.
For effective depression treatment , if they are having trouble sleeping it is possible to take the baby for some time so that they can rest. You can also support them by assisting with their meals or other household chores. You can also support them by taking them to the doctor to discuss a plan of treatment or by offering to go to psychotherapy sessions together.
Through therapy, patients can learn healthy coping skills and get better at managing their symptoms. For some women, psychotherapy is enough by itself, while for others, medication to treat depression is essential. Both treatments have high success rates when used in the appropriate patient. A psychiatrist can prescribe medication that is safe for mother and baby to women who are nursing.
Treatment
Women are at a higher risk of developing depression due to hormonal changes and fluctuations in their bodies. This includes the menstrual cycle as well as miscarriage, pregnancy postpartum depression, perimenopausal depression and menopause. Women may also experience issues with relationships financial issues, and caring for children who are young or elderly parents.
Depression symptoms can be relieved with treatment and self-care methods. Talk therapy (also called counselling or psychotherapy) and antidepressant medication are often helpful for reducing depression symptoms, particularly when combined. Psychotherapy focuses on acquiring ways to cope and building stronger relationships to help people cope with stressful life events. It also helps identify and challenge negative thoughts, and teach people better ways to respond to the challenges. Antidepressants are medications that help control mood by regulating hormones and boosting serotonin levels within the brain.
Depression is a serious mental illness that affects the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of the person. Depression can make it difficult to think clearly or to sleep well or to have the energy to perform everyday tasks. Fortunately depression can be treated by psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counsellor. GPs can refer you to one of these professionals or you can find them through healthdirect's Service Finder. You can receive an amount of reimbursement from Medicare for up to 20 sessions a year with a registered mental health professional.
Some women are hesitant to seek help if they're feeling depressed, whether because they feel guilty or believe that their depression isn't that serious. Talking to a family member or friend, a support group or a trusted health professional can be a great option to receive the help you require. You could also try mindfulness, exercise and adequate sleeping, healthy eating and exposure to sunlight or bright artificial light to boost your mood. Taking care of yourself and participating in your community can help. For more information on how to deal with depression, contact the beyondblue Helpline on 1800 22 4636 or visit healthdirect's Service Finder.
The following is a list with preventions.
Depression is a serious disease, but it can also be treated. If you know someone who is suffering from depression urge her to see a health professional and to stick with the treatment plan. For instance, encourage her to remember to take her medication and ensure that she has transportation or access to appointments with a therapy. 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 illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory ailments. It is also triggered by unhealthy lifestyle factors such as poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and harmful alcohol consumption. Women with a history of or a family background of depression are more likely to suffer from depression themselves. Some studies show that certain prevention programs can lower the risk of depression among women. For instance, one program called ROSE (Reach Out, Stay Strong, Essentials for mothers of newborns) has been proven to reduce the incidence of postpartum depression among women with low incomes by half in a series of trials.
It is essential for women to seek help when they experience depression-related symptoms. Ask your health care provider to refer you to a psychiatrist. A woman who is suffering from depression and has difficulty caring for her baby or herself must seek immediate assistance from a health professional. You can ask a family member or a friend to look after her baby for a couple of hours or join an online support group.
Women can contact beyond blue for assistance and information and support, including a video chat service with maternal child health professionals. They can also make use of healthdirect's Service Finder in order to locate a GP or mental health professional or make an intervention plan.