Women and Depression: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Your Way Back

After the therapy and the women and depression workshops:
Find out what you can do after suffering depression.

When it comes to women and depression, women far outnumber men. It is believed that almost twice as many women get depressed when compared to men.

Depression is caused from a chemical imbalance in the brain. Hormonal fluctuation during the reproductive years also contributes to women being more prone to periods of depression.

PMS (premenstrual syndrome), pregnancy and even some birth control pills can interfere with the brain chemistry and lead to periods of depression.

Some risk factors for depression in women include poverty, high stress jobs, family history of depression or other mental disorders, a history of childhood abuse (sexual or physical), and losing a parent in early puberty.

Surprisingly, depression seems to affect more married women than single women.

Women with depression tend to overeat thus leading to health issues such as obesity and the subsequent guilt; factors which in turn can lead to even deeper depression.

Feelings of guilt and low self-esteem are common in women with depression.

Like with depression in other groups, depression in women can be treated by counseling or antidepressant medication or both. Counseling alone can work in cases where depression is not severe or chronic.

Most importantly women who have been depressed or those trying to avoid depression need to develop certain healthy lifestyle changes.
These changes are not cures but can help you lead happier, healthier lives even if depression strikes.

Some of these changes include:

• Regular physical activity
• Maintaining healthy, communicative relationships with loved one (friends and family)
• Getting a pet or two. Research has shown that persons who care for pets tend to maintain healthier, happier lives
• Maintain a proper diet
• Find a hobby that you like
• Keep a diary / journal

Also, set realistic goals for yourself; these are easier to keep and achieve. Give yourself a pat on the back when you've accomplished something.

Lastly, keep informed about women and depression, its causes and treatment options.

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to Depression Help Treatment

Dealing with Depression Advice

Take responsibility for communicating your needs

In the book "Seven steps to a depression free life," by Nancy Miller, one of the symptoms of depression is a feeling of self pity.

Some aspects of feeling sorry for ourselves can not be helped; it is part of depression.

But assuming that people can read your mind is a dangerous head space to be in.

Take responsibility for letting your supportive friends know how you are doing - really. They care about you but they can't help if they don't know what you need.

Likewise for talking to mental health professionals, be prepared to tell the truth. If you are meeting with your physician and have insomnia, for example, be sure to tell them if you don't know why you can't sleep.