MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Both men and women can experience depression; however, they may experience it for different reasons. Women are more likely than men to develop depression and have risk factors that men do not have, including various hormonal changes they experience in their lifetime. With the right treatment, women can recover from their depression and cultivate a better life.
Depression is a common but severe mood disorder characterized by symptoms that can affect someone’s ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and engage in once enjoyable activities. Depression is generally caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. 1
Almost 12 million American women experience clinical depression each year, and about one out of every eight women will experience it at some point in their life.2
Additionally, one out of every eight women experiences postpartum depression symptoms. The number of women who experience postpartum depression differs by age and race/ethnicity.3
Clinical depression occurs most often in women between the ages of 24 and 44.2
It isn’t possible for someone suffering from depression to “snap out of it,” as getting better usually requires treatment. If a woman you love is experiencing depression, it is vital to offer support, patience, and encouragement. It is crucial to remind her that she can feel better over time and with the right treatment.1
If you believe you are suffering from depression, a good first step is making an appointment with your primary doctor or a psychiatrist. Some medications, viruses, and a thyroid disorder can produce the same symptoms as depression. A medical professional can properly examine you and rule out any other possibilities. If you are diagnosed with depression, they will present you with treatment options and guide you along the way.1
Women can experience a variety of signs and symptoms of depression, and they can be different for each individual.
They are likely to experience some combination of the following signs and symptoms: 4
Depression is rare before adolescence and occurs at the same rate in girls and boys during this phase of development. After puberty, girls become twice as likely as boys to develop depression. 5
Women may become more likely to develop depression than men because of the hormonal changes women experience during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Women also experience monthly hormonal changes during menstrual cycles. 5
Depression can also occur due to the following: 6
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is usually characterized by the following short-lived symptoms: 7
There are dramatic hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy that can alter a woman’s mood. Other issues associated with pregnancy and attempting to become pregnant can occur and might increase the risk of developing depression, including: 7
New mothers may experience bouts of sadness, anger, and irritability. These feelings are normal after giving birth and usually go away after one or two weeks. Postpartum depression is characterized by more severe and longer-lasting symptoms, including: 7
Postpartum depression occurs in about 10% to 15% of women and is a serious condition that requires treatment. It may be caused by significant hormonal changes, a predisposition to mood disorders, complications during pregnancy or birth, breastfeeding issues, or a lack of social support. 7
Perimenopause is the transitional stage into menopause when a woman’s hormone levels can erratically fluctuate. During this stage, the risk of depression may increase. Estrogen levels are significantly low in early menopause and after menopause, which can also increase the risk of depression. 7
The likelihood of developing depression due to menopausal symptoms is relatively low but increases if the following risk factors are present: 7
Depression is genetic, which means that some genetic makeups are more prone to depression than others. However, environmental factors may also influence whether someone develops depression. Someone who is genetically predisposed to depression, but has healthy family and social relationships, may never develop depression. And someone who is more genetically resistant to depression may find themselves depressed due to environmental factors. 4
Depression is genetic, which means that some genetic makeups are more prone to depression than others. However, environmental factors may also influence whether someone develops depression. Someone who is genetically predisposed to depression, but has healthy family and social relationships, may never develop depression. And someone who is more genetically resistant to depression may find themselves depressed due to environmental factors. 4
Women are also more likely than men to experience stress-induced depression. Women have increased levels of progesterone, which can prevent the leveling out of stress hormones. Women also experience negative body image issues more often than men, which can also cause depression. 4
Women experience depression as a result of social causes more often than men do. They are more likely to experience depression due to relationship issues, problems with work-life balance, financial issues, loss of a loved one, and other stressful life events. 4
Many different types of depression can affect both men and women alike. However, some forms of depression only affect women.
There are different types of depression that both men and women experience. These include: 8
Some types of depression are only experienced by women and occur because of drastic physical and hormonal changes during different stages in a woman’s life.
If you are suffering from depression, remember, there is hope. Counseling and the right medication can help treat depression. These methods can be effective independently; however, most treatment involves some combination of medication and psychotherapy. It is best to approach your healthcare provider regarding the right treatment option for you. 9
1.
The acute phase lasts 6 to 12 weeks. The goal during this phase is to relieve symptoms. 10
2.
The continuation phase can last for several months. The goal during this phase is to maximize improvements, and a doctor may adjust medication dosage. 10
3.
The maintenance phase focuses on preventing future depressive episodes. During this phase, a doctor helps lower medication dosage, and psychotherapy becomes the main treatment method. 10
Depression medication, called antidepressants, can be used to treat depression effectively. Over 10% of women currently take antidepressants, and about 65% to 85% of people who take antidepressants experience some relief. Antidepressants are equally useful for men and women; however, some individuals respond differently to the same medication, so the choice in antidepressant is individualized. 10
When someone first begins taking antidepressants, they usually start with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). This type of antidepressant medication includes fluoxetine (Prozac), citalopram (Celexa), and sertraline (Zoloft). SSRIs influence the serotonin system that affects mood, arousal, anxiety, impulses, and aggression. 10
Other antidepressants work to treat depression in different ways. Bupropion (Wellbutrin) affects norepinephrine and dopamine, mirtazapine (Remeron) affects norepinephrine and serotonin, and venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. 10
All medications produce side effects. If side effects become extreme, it is essential to discuss them with your doctor. They may suggest trying a different medication or reducing the dosage of the current medication. 10
Psychotherapy is equally useful for men and women and includes three major types: cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. Group therapy, family therapy, and couples therapy can also be effective. Most often, some combination of these types of therapy works best for patients. 10
The main goal of CBT is to change negative thought patterns and behaviors into more positive ones. CBT therapists work with the patient to correct distorted and self-critical thoughts that the patient has identified. They work together to evaluate the truth behind these thoughts and transform them. 10
This kind of therapy involves weekly sessions and lasts for several months. Patients learn to identify and cope with conflicts that reoccur in their relationships. This kind of therapy generally focuses on grief of a recent loss, disputes regarding social expectations, significant life changes, and social isolation. 10
Psychodynamic Therapy involves exploring how life events, desires, and relationships affect the patient’s feelings and behaviors. A therapist helps the patient identify the unconscious defenses they have used to avoid painful thoughts and emotions. This awareness can help patients to overcome these issues. 10
This type of therapy involves a group of patients struggling with similar issues. Within each session, patients support each other with the group leader’s help. Group therapy can help individuals to recognize they are not alone. 10
This type of therapy identifies destructive patterns within a family system and works to replace them with healthier ones. Family therapy can foster better communication and help in situations where one family member’s issues affect the rest of the family. 10
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