Why Depression needs to be taken seriously ?

In clinical psychology, depression is a syndrome, a cluster of emotional, physical, and behavioral symptoms characterized by sadness, low self-esteem, loss of pleasure, and even difficulty in basic functioning. If these problems persist for more than two weeks and interfere with one’s daily life, one may be suffering from clinical depression. In everyday conversation,  people say they are depressed when they are feeling unhappy, down, blue, sad, or hopeless. Almost everyone has experienced these emotions, and many people eventually suffer some adversity or some kind of loss which could give them a reason to be anxious or depressed at times.

Before hitting puberty, the rate of depression is about the same in girls and boys. However, with the onset of puberty, a girl’s risk of developing depression increases dramatically to twice that of boys.

Some experts believe that the increased chance of depression in women may be related to changes in hormone levels that occur throughout a woman’s life. These changes are evident during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as well as after giving birth or experiencing a miscarriage. In addition, the hormonal level fluctuations that occur with each month’s menstrual cycle probably contribute to  the premenstrual syndrome, or PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, or PMDD — a severe syndrome marked especially by depression, anxiety, and mood swings that occurs the week before menstruation and interferes with normal functioning of daily life.

Self Help For Depression in Women

You can make a huge dent in your depression with simple lifestyle changes such as exercising every day, avoiding the urge to isolate, eating healthy and carving out some time to relax.

Feeling better takes time, but you can get there if you make positive choices for yourself each day and draw on the support of others.

Talk about your feelings to someone you trust, face-to-face

Share what you’re going through with the people you love and trust. Ask for the help and support you need. You may have retreated from your most treasured relationships, but they can get you through this tough time. If you don’t feel that you have anyone to confide in, look to build new friendships. Start by joining a support group for depression.

Try to keep up with social activities even if you don’t feel like it

When you’re depressed, it feels more comfortable to retreat into your shell. But being around other people will make you feel less depressed.

Get up and moving.

Studies show that regular exercise can be as effective as antidepressant medication at increasing energy levels and decreasing feelings of fatigue. You don’t have to hit the gym. A 30-minute walk each day will give you a much-needed boost.

Aim for 8 hours of sleep.

Depression typically involves sleep problems. Whether you’re sleeping too little or too much, your mood suffers. Get on a better sleep schedule by learning healthy sleep habits.

Practice relaxation techniques.

A daily relaxation practice can help relieve symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and boost feelings of joy and well-being. Try yoga, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or meditation.

Eat a serotonin-enhancing diet.

Many anti-depressants like Prozac act by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by receptors in the brain, thereby increasing serotonin levels. But you can increase your brain’s serotonin levels by eating foods that boost your serotonin levels naturally. Serotonin-enhancing foods include: Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (such as wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies, which are even higher in omega-3 fatty acids than other fish). Avoid caffeine as it reduces the serotonin levels. If you need an energy boost, supplement with L-Tyrosine (500 – 1000 mg).

Source : http://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-women.htm

One of the most common symptoms of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. If you are seriously depressed, you may feel that it is impossible to get help and that you will never be able to feel better. You may feel that you have always been in this mental state for a very long time.  If  your family suggests that you get professional help, take them seriously and seek professional guidance. Major depression can be a harmful, incapacitating and even dangerous . You may have difficulty in attending class, completing academic work, or fulfilling other responsibilities.