By Dr. Dalal Akoury Dr. Dalal Akoury February 2, 2015

Understanding Depression in Women in totality – What can be done

In our previous article we dwelt much on the causes and effects of depression in men and in this session we want to do the same but singling out on women. We are dealing with depression because its effects are so painful to both the individuals, families and the whole society. Therefore understanding the depression in women is very paramount as it will enable women to avoid things that may make them depressed for the benefits of their general good health, skin complexion, premature aging and joyful sex life. To start with when it comes to depression, gender is very important. Remember that not only are women more susceptible to to depression than men, but the grounds of female depression alongside the patterns of symptoms are often different. Understanding the dynamics depression is attributed to various factors that contribute to it. Such factors are ranging from but are also not limited to reproductive hormones to social pressures to the female response to stress.

It is important that you are well informed of these factors as a worthy tool of defeating depression. Doctor Akoury will be helping us to understand the factors, symptoms and even effective treatment so that together women can reduce the risk of depression and keep the beautiful and glowing skin, reduce the premature aging among many other consequences accruing out of being depressed.

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Effects, Signs and Symptoms of depression in women

Depression like any other health condition is not something to be proud of by any standard. The effects of being depressed is wide and broad in that it affects ones social life, relationships, career, self-esteem among other purposes. Statistics has it that in every eight women at least will develop depression in the course of life. Doctor Akoury suggest that if you’re suffering from some past or present guilty situations, or just feeling sad , tired and generally down in spirit, you may want to consult with your doctor because you could be suffering from a major or developing state of being depressed. This piece of information is not to trigger fear in you but to make you take prompt decisions for a better health. Remember that depression is treatable and the more informed you’re about it the better as this will make you effectively deal with the problem as it is a woman.

To be on the safe side, you need to know the symptoms of depression in women even though they are the same as those for major depression. Depressed women common complaints often include:

Depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
Feelings of guiltiness, hopelessness and worthlessness all the time
Recurrent suicidal thoughts or even death
Irregular sleep patterns (sleeping more or sleeping less)
Appetite and weight changes
Difficulty concentrating
Lack of energy and fatigue

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Causes of depression in women

The intensity of women suffering from depression is always higher than that of men. Interestingly the variance is almost uniform in all racial, ethnic, and economic divides cutting across most countries globally. In view of this, different theories are attempting to explain the higher incidence of depression in women including elements like biological, psychological, and social factors.

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Biological and hormonal causes of depression in women

Premenstrual problems – Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle can cause the familiar symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, irritability, fatigue, and emotional reactivity. For many women, PMS is mild. But for some women, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and a diagnosis of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is made.
Pregnancy and infertility – The many hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can contribute to depression, particularly in women already at high risk. Other issues relating to pregnancy such as miscarriage, unwanted pregnancy, and infertility can also play a role in depression.
Postpartum depression – Many new mothers experience the baby blues. This is a normal reaction that tends to subside within a few weeks. However, some women experience severe, lasting depression. This condition is known as postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is believed to be influenced, at least in part, by hormonal fluctuations.
Perimenopause and menopause – Women may be at increased risk for depression during perimenopause, the stage leading to menopause when reproductive hormones rapidly fluctuate. Women with past histories of depression are at an increased risk of depression during menopause as well.
Health problems – Chronic illness, injury, or disability can lead to depression in women, as can crash dieting or quitting smoking.

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Psychological causes of depression in women

Concentrating on and revisiting negative feelings – Women are more likely to ruminate when they are depressed. For instance, most women would cry to release emotional tension, making effort to understand the cause of your depression by investigating from your friends about your depression. Nonetheless, this practice (rumination) in many cases acts as a facilitator of depression and occasionally even worsens the situation of depression. Yet on the other hand, men tend to distract themselves when they are depressed which is very helpful in reducing depression.
Overwhelming stress at work, school, or home – Some studies show that women are more likely than men to develop depression from stress. This is because the female physiological response to stress is different possibly because women often produce more stress hormones than men. The female sex hormone progesterone prevents the stress hormone system from turning itself off as it does in men.
Body image issues – It is important to note that in many cases the gender difference in depression originates in adolescence. Like for instance the emergence of sex differences during puberty is likely plays a role. This could be due to body dissatisfaction which increases in girls during the sexual development of puberty according to some research findings.

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Social causes of depression in women

Just like in men, social factors also play a part in causing depression in women, along with lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills. These may include:

Matrimonial or correlation problems; balancing the pressures of career and home life
Family responsibilities like bringing up children, communication issues among spouse, or aging parents
Experiencing discrimination at work or not reaching important goals, losing or changing a job, retirement, or embarking on military service
Continuous financial problems
Death of a loved one or other stressful life event that leaves you feeling useless, helpless, alone, or profoundly sad

Understanding Depression in Women in totality: Treating depression in women

Like in any other treatment of depression, women suffering from depression will also receive normal type of treatment as everyone which may include psychotherapy and antidepressant therapy. Even though this may be the case there are some special treatment considerations for depression in women as will be discussed by the experts at AWAREmed Health and Wellness Resource Center under Doctor Akoury’s care. If you have any concern about the effects of depression and you need help, call doctor Akoury today and schedule for that appointment that will live you healthy and well rejuvenated all the time.