It is one thing to experience mood swing and another to be constantly subjected to feelings of anger and sadness. In case it is the latter, depression may have made an impression. Depression works harder than anything to teach humans helplessness and hopelessness. Of course, it is no respecter of gender, race or class. It is yet another one of human’s numerous troubles that need to be managed and not used to incite mockery or shame.
In women, depression moves dangerously and attaches its acts to things like hormonal imbalance, menstruation, postpartum issues, and menopause among other things. In a world where women are seen as people deserving of care and empathy – not only as caregivers, mothers, sisters and wives; depression in women rouses concern and is treated like the emergency that it is.
Because of the peculiarities of women’s nature, the symptoms of depression can be more extensive than what is often found in men. Attention is needed to detect depression in women – and the guide to detecting depression are the symptoms. The followings are symptoms of depression in women.
Symptoms of Depression in Women
These are the symptoms of depression in women, followed by how to get an instant help if you are a victim of depression or know someone who is.
Feeling of helplessness and hopelessness:
Hope and help are two integral factors women hold on to in all circumstances. As long as these factors remain present, it may just be a passing mood even when it is not pleasant. But the moment sadness stops being the only response a woman has towards life’s struggles – the moment she starts to see hope and help as unattainable feats, depression is incoming.
Appetite or weight changes
Sometimes, weight gain or loss and change in appetite happen due to hormonal changes. In this case, it is almost never drastic or continual. It becomes an entirely different story when it is a case of depression. When there is at least 5 percent weight gain or loss every other month, it is clear that depression is creating an impression.
Sleep Pattern Changes
One other thing that changes drastically is the sleep pattern. Just as before, there may not be a reason to worry when the change is mild and almost unnoticeable – it becomes a concern when it changes with speed and alacrity. Sleep change is characterized either by oversleeping or under sleeping (insomnia). And under no condition is any of the two preferable. So, whenever one of these two becomes a woman’s reality, concerns must be raised.
Self–Loathing
This sounds alarming – like it is a state no woman should ever get to before seeking help – rightly so. Sadly, some women get to this stage or at least close to it. In the burns of life, as issues pile up, self-love thins out and sometimes a woman may lose her sense of self. She may begin to find herself repulsive or undeserving of happiness and good things of life. Of course, it should never get to this stage. But, if it does, it is a clear indication of depression.
Loss of Energy
This may not be a momentary occurrence. But, paying attention overtime to the decline in the level of strength and energy that a woman exudes may be just another important way to detect depression. A typical feature of depression in women is fatigue. Other characteristics are loss of interest in activities, sluggishness and feeling drained among other things.
When it happens that the mood is constantly dampened and there seems to be no physical motivation, spiritual motivation and emotional motivation to do things that you would normally do, depression may be in view.
Anger or Irritability
This is often very difficult to excuse as a lot of people do not have the patience or the compassion to accommodate an angry person. Many would actually find it difficult to attribute anger and irritability to depression. The truth however, remains that anger and irritability can be impressions created by depression.
If it is noticed that someone who is known for her merry go round attitude suddenly switches to this angry person, concerns must be raised. While, diagnosis cannot be made from taking note of these changes, it can be a pointer to possibilities.
Because depression seeks to cause a dent in a person’s life, there is a need to reach out for help as soon as symptoms of depression have been detected. Delay may be fatal
How to Get Help Instantly
These are some trusted responses to depression in women. And the best of them is seeking help from mental health experts, through therapy.
Consult a Mental Health Professional
Before now, every idea that you have formed in your head are not facts as they have not been proven. But, given some of the symptoms, what you have been able to do is detect that there is a mental health issue that needs to be attended to as soon as possible and by coming to a mental health professional, diagnosis will be made.
From consulting you the professional is aided to help you diagnose the nature of the issue. This is important in helping the them determine the type of treatment to be given. It often ranges between using antidepressants and engaging in psychotherapy. Sometimes, it is the combination of the two.
The reason it is not advisable to take advice from another patient is because no two people are alike – no two cases are alike. A mental health professional should therefore be the only integral part of the decision making. We recommend BetterHelp.
Use Relaxation Techniques
Some of these techniques may have to be learned and they can be used as an additional help alongside therapy. Although, they may prove difficult at first, with time, it gets better. Yoga and meditation are some of the techniques that can be learned.
Surround Yourself with a Support System
As important as therapists are, they cannot fill the space of family and friends. Generally, women should have solid support systems. Women who have been diagnosed with depression have very long days ahead – days that would be less painful if family and friends were present with full blown love.
Conclusion
Depression in women should not be treated mysteriously. If we are open to detecting these symptoms of depression in women and do not shy away from using these curative actions accordingly, especially therapy, depression will no longer be a myth but, just another health issue with available solutions.
