The word depression has become synonymous with feelings of sadness. Such representations have diluted the serious nature of depression as a mental health condition that if not treated in time can also lead to suicide.
Depression has become a popular mental health catch word in pop culture, social media and films and TV. However, these representations of mental health issues can be factually incorrect or over dramatized.
This blog post aims to educate readers on what is depression and factors such as hormonal changes and unique socio-cultural factors that put women at a higher risk of depression. Lastly, how therapy along with holistic measures can help individuals suffering from depression.
What is depression
Depression makes it difficult for individuals to perform everyday tasks such as showering, getting out of bed, focus on work or participate in social activities with friends and family. If left untreated, symptoms of depression may also lead an individual towards drastic measures such as suicide.
It is not uncommon for people suffering from depression to be given advice and motivational pep talks from well-meaning but misguided friends and family. A person suffering from depression is not mentally ‘weak’ or they cannot just snap out of it, if they wanted to. Depression is a treatable mental health condition. One can overcome depression through therapy with a psychologist and medication (as diagnosed by a psychiatrist).
Difference between feeling sad and depression
Depression is a mood disorder. Often confused with feeling sad. Depression is a real illness and requires treatment such therapy and medication.
Sadness is an emotional state of unhappiness. It is a natural emotional reaction to negative or upsetting life events. For example, not getting an anticipated job promotion can lead you to feeling disappointed or sad. It is a temporary emotional state and eventually you return to your emotional baseline.
However, depression is a persistent feeling of sadness over a long period of time. Combined with feeling emotionally numb or empty, loss of appetite, disturbance in sleep and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities etc.
Depression in Women
Women are nearly twice as likely as men to be diagnosed with depression. Studies conducted on adult women have found that women are more likely than men to become depressed in response to a stressful life event and to have experienced a stressful event prior to a major depressive episode.
2 Factors that make women more vulnerable to depression
- Hormonal Changes in women
Changes in hormone levels can alter mood and emotional well-being of a women. According to the Mayo Clinic, changes in hormone levels from factors such as pregnancy, menopause, or birth control, can alter neurotransmitters that affect mood.
A drop in hormones can lead to a reduced level of serotonin, which can result in increased levels of sadness, anxiety, and irritability. A drop in testosterone levels may also affect mood and may cause depression, increased anxiety, increased irritability, low sex drive and reduced energy levels
Read More about: Postpartum Depression: Will I ever feel okay again
2. Societal and cultural stresses faced by women
The higher rate of depression in women isn’t due to biology alone. Societal and cultural stresses that are faced by women play a huge role as well. Women are more physically vulnerable than men, paid less for the same work that men do, and have less career security while carrying more responsibility for managing the household, childcare and caregiving for parents.
While times are changing, and men are playing their part in domestic chores etc. However, the majority of childcare, emotional and domestic labour is singularly shouldered by women. In India, working women are often faced with the challenging task of performing well at work and at the same time tackle domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, maintaining the house, being the primary caregiver to children and relationships with in-laws.
Women who opt to become homemakers and full-time mothers may find their roles devalued by society. Meanwhile, women who pursue a career outside the home may face discrimination and job inequality or may feel conflicts between their role as a wife and mother and their work.
Women face unique challenges of balancing work and personal life and sometimes such unrelenting pressures to excel in both domains can lead to mental burn out and depression.
Living with depression: how to cope
Recognizing the direct correlation between lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of adequate sleep, exercise and a stressful environment along with hormonal imbalances and genetics play a complex role in manifesting symptoms of depression.
The societal perceptions of depression often make it seem like depression is not a real illness and is something you can overcome by simply being mentally strong. This is a false perception. Depression is a real illness and help is available. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression can overcome it.
Psychologist Sherene Chaz Founder of Serene Hour Counselling and Career Advice Consultancy believes that the most effective way to treat depression is through a holistic approach combining therapy and lifestyle changes such as sleep, diet and exercise along with medication (as prescribed by a psychiatrist).
Symptoms of mild to moderate depression are treatable through holistic changes in lifestyles and talk therapy. Serene Hour offers cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping individuals recognise and correct unhealthy thinking patterns with the goal of changing thoughts and behaviours to respond to challenges in a more positive manner.
Read More about: 3 Benefits of Therapy with a Licensed Psychologist
Numerous studies have shown a direct link between the mind and body connection. When the body is deprived of nutrition its function gets impaired. When the brain is low on serotonin the body craves for sugary and high carbohydrate foods to replace the lost serotonin. However, simple carbs and sugars found in candies, pastries and junk food creates a spike and crash in blood sugar levels exacerbating symptoms of depression. A healthy diet rich in protein, fat and complex carbohydrates and regular exercise and sleep can create a huge difference in holistically treating and preventing depression.
In Conclusion
If you are suffering from depression, you are not alone. Depression is a highly common mental health issue. Depression is a mood disorder that is treatable through a holistic approach that combines the use of lifestyle changes, therapy with a licensed psychologist and medication. The stigma surrounding mental health and lack of awareness on depression makes it difficult for individuals suffering from depression to reach out for help. Take the first step towards a healthy mental health and reach out for therapy with Serene Hour.