Women and Depression

Depression is a serious condition that can affect every part of a woman’s life. It can be damaging to your social life, family relationships, career and sense of self worth and purpose.

Women are twice as likely to experience depression as men. Although the symptoms of depression are the same for both genders women are inclined to experience particular symptoms more often than men. Depression can occur as a result of seasonal affective disorder (depression during the winter months when there is less sunlight), hormonal changes during premenstrual cycle, pregnancy and infertility, postpartum depression, role strain, unequal power and status, sexual abuse, relationship dissatisfaction, body image and puberty, pre-menopause and menopause.

Depression is not an uncommon occurrence. It is estimated that twenty five percent of women are at risk of suffering depression over the course of their lifetime. Symptoms of depression may include trouble sleeping or sleeping excessively, persistent feelings of unhappiness, feeling sad, anxiety, being overwhelmed all of the time, crying, and no desire to have or do anything enjoyable. Depression can also lead to increased health problems as a result of the stress that depression often causes. This risk makes it all the more important to control the symptoms of depression when they first appear.

Depression can also lead to substance abuse, in many cases, primarily because the person tries to self medicate, briefly feeling better from the high. In the long run however use of drugs can worsen depression and causes a whole host of co-occurring mental and physical health disorders. This is because of the effects drugs have on the brain and the body. Using drugs directly influences parts of the brain that are responsible for stimulating mood function and certain drugs can actually trigger a gene that is connected to depression.

Seeking professional help in the form of treatment for depression is the most effective solution to start recovering from this condition. When treatment is administered properly from a knowledgeable therapist, it can help women work through their depression. Each case is different and as a result treatment is customized to help the patient learn to cope with their triggers. The doctor may prescribe antidepressants in some cases – these are usually for cases of severe depression. In other cases, individual therapy sessions are recommended as a way to get to the route causes of depression and to address those issues. When paired with substance abuse, a specialized dual diagnosis treatment facility will need to be employed. When a dual diagnosis is present, it is imperative to treat both the substance abuse and depression simultaneously in order to achieve long-term recovery.

Seeking treatment for depression with substance abuse is essential; however it is a difficult decision. We know that it can help to speak to a licensed and trained counselor about depression and your treatment options and we at Destination Hope are here to help you through these trying times. All it takes is one phone call to get you on the path to a happier life. There is hope in your circumstance and we look forward to helping you.

Call us today at 1-866-808-7111 and learn more about options for treatment for depression and co-occurring substance abuse.