Women and Depression
It seems like there is an epidemic of depression in women in this country. Depression can seem like a dark hole that can hold you down and suck you under, draining the life out of you. It can leave you powerless, unable to function even in a normal fashion. It deprives you of your self-esteem, making you tell yourself “if I would just try a little harder, I could be a better wife, a better mother.” Depression wants to win the battle for your life, and many times it is a daily struggle.
What are some of the causes of Depression?
1. A chemical imbalance with too little dopamine, serotonin, or other neuroreceptors; typically inherited.
2. Addictions (drugs, alcohol, sex, food) can reset the dopamine receptors in your brain, and continued use of the addiction will be needed just to feel “normal”.
3. Medical traumas such as surgery or a recent illness.
4. Trauma from childhood. This could be a single incident or chronic ongoing trauma in the form of physical, mental, or sexual abuse.
5. Single incident trauma as a child or adult such as a natural disaster or car accident.
6. Lack of light stimulation.
7. Thyroid disease. This will manifest itself in cold hands and feed, tiredness, and a loss of hair (especially the outer eyebrows).
8. Postpartum Depression, even years after the birth.
9. Stress: housework, financial, kids, in-laws
10. Dysfunctional Relationships: husband or friends who are too needy.
11. Hormonal Imbalance in women approaching menopause or thereafter.
12. Spiritual void
Depression can alter your thinking, mood, and nearly every system in your body. You feel a loss of pleasure in things that used to bring you happiness. You may be sleeping way too much, or not nearly enough. You can be sad one minute and screaming at someone you love the next minute, bringing you to a point of hopelessness. In order to raise your mood, you may take pills, drink alcohol, or binge on carbohydrates and tons of sugar. It is understandable to want immediate relief. However, relieving depression can take time and effort.
Depression Interventions
(check with your doctor first)- If you are currently suicidal, call 911 NOW and get the help you need. If not for yourself, for the ones you love!
1. You may need to see a psychiatrist for anti-depressants. This is for those who have a genetic propensity for depression or recent medical trauma depression.
2. Get into recovery for your addiction(s). Addictions not only affect your mood, but they can cause great dysfunction to the family unit.
3. See a therapist for trauma work. Therapists who specialize in EMDR can be very beneficial in helping you reprocess and let go of traumas that are stored in you nervous system. Most people with trauma depression have no idea past hurts can stay with them and be manifested in a very detrimental way in their life.
4. Allow sunlight to hit your skin 10 minutes a day.
5. See a medical doctor, such as an endocrinologist, for a thyroid and hormonal check-up. Even if your thyroid/hormones are slightly low, this can cause significant depression.
6. Join a yoga class and learn how to meditate and deep breathe for relaxation.
7. Become spiritually attuned.
8. Work on your love relationship and learn effective communication and conflict resolution.
9. Exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week. This is a great mood enhancer.
10. Go out with friends and socialize. Don’t isolate (this is depression talking).
Realize you are in a battle. Roll up your sleeves, make yourself get out of bed and take your life back. Acknowledge your anger, loneliness and grief. When your depression tells you “no”, fight back and say “yes”. This is a battle for your life, and you can win.
Suzanne Rucker, Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Orlando Depression Counselor
EMDR & ASAT Certified
LifeCounselingSolutions@gmail.com
(407) 967-9313
