Depression

As complex, interesting, frustrating, talented, and everything in between as we may be, there is one thing all people have in common, and that’s the fact that we were all born of a woman and are all a miracle given to the world by God. The psalmist loudly proclaims: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalms 139:13-14, NIV There is likely no greater joy than the creation of a new life. It is something joyful, marvelous, and mysterious even though we know so much about how human beings are conceived and developed in utero. Though the process of carrying and giving birth to a child is often anxiety-inducing, not to mention painful, there is joy in the aftermath. Understanding postpartum blues Welcoming a child into the world is meant to be a joyful occasion – after all, a new human being is alive and among us. However, while that may be the experience of the majority, it’s not that way for everyone. Postpartum blues, which is another way of talking about the “baby blues” is a common problem that affects a lot of women. Baby blues affect anywhere between 50% and 75% of women after delivery, and they usually begin within the first 2-3 days after delivery and may last for up to two weeks. There are some similarities between the baby blues and postpartum depression; however, the symptoms of baby blues last about two weeks and are less intense than those of postpartum depression. Typically, the symptoms of baby blues will disappear on their own without treatment. With postpartum depression, the symptoms last weeks or months, and the symptoms are [...]

An estimated twelve million women suffer from depression in the United States annually. Although most patients range from ages twenty-five to forty-four, women going through the menopausal transition in their fifties can also develop depression due to decreased hormones. The causes of depression in women are numerous, but one thing is clear: depression should be treated as soon as possible. Causes of depression in women Women, including teenage girls between the ages of fourteen and eighteen, suffer from depression more than males the same age. In people aged twenty-five to forty-four, women develop depression at a rate of 2:1 more than men. In addition, fluctuating hormones contribute to many cases of depression in the U.S. each year, including Postpartum Depression, Premenstrual Dysphoric Depression, and depression brought on by menopause. But the causes of depression don’t stop at hormones. Factors like environment, family history, and life events play a role. When these factors compound, your likelihood of developing depression increases. Once you know what to expect, you can consult your physician about your increased risk. The following is a list of common causes of depression in women. Hormonal issues. Hormonal changes, such as too much or too little estrogen or progesterone, can increase your risk for depression. This is due to these hormones helping to regulate serotonin and other neurotransmitters that leave you feeling happy. Often the causes of depression can be traced to a hormonal imbalance. First, your physician can run bloodwork to determine if there is a hormone issue. Then, the doctor may prescribe hormonal supplementation if needed. Changes in hormones can also create other emotional problems that may require counseling. Grief. Grief is a process, a journey through stages that include denial (shock), anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. However, grief is rarely linear. You can experience the [...]