She Informs

Tag: depression

  • Here’s How Experts Say to Combat Seasonal Depression

    Here’s How Experts Say to Combat Seasonal Depression

    With the holidays approaching, seasonal depression is slowly creeping up for a lot of people. Seasonal depression, also known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, is pretty common amongst people around the fall and winter times.

    Let’s be honest – we’ve all experienced those days when the gray skies and endless winter darkness seem to weigh heavily on our spirits. But what happens when those feelings go beyond a simple case of the winter blues? For many women, seasonal depression is a very real and challenging experience that can turn everyday life into an uphill battle.

    There are so many questions: what causes SAD? Why is it only certain times of the year? Why do I have it? Let’s get into it!

    Advertisements

    And here’s something important to know: women are particularly vulnerable to this condition.

    What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Season Depression?

    The National Institution of Mental Health defines SAD as a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD.

    There are two types of SAD:

    1. Summer depression-which normally starts late spring and ends in the beginning of fall.
    2. Fall/Winter depression-more common, starts in fall/winter and ends in spring/early summer.

    Why Women Are More Affected

    You might be wondering, “Why me?” The truth is that women face many factors that make seasonal depression more likely:

    • Hormonal rollercoasters that can impact mood and energy.

    Periods and hormonal changes that women often go through can affect our moods. Aside from menstrual hormones-pregnancy, perimenopausal, and premenopausal hormones can affect this.

    • Biological differences in how we process light and brain chemistry.

    Reduced sunlight during winter can dramatically alter the body’s internal clock, leading to hormonal imbalances and mood disturbances.

    • Social and cultural pressures that often leave women carrying emotional burdens.

    Your experience is valid, and you’re not alone. Millions of women navigate these challenging seasonal shifts yearly, and understanding is the first step to feeling better.

    Advertisements

    Seasonal Depression: More Than Just Feeling Sad

    Seasonal depression isn’t just about feeling a little down. It can look like:

    • Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
    • Losing interest in activities you once loved
    • Feeling like you’re moving in slow motion
    • Battling constant fatigue and brain fog
    • Experiencing changes in appetite and sleep patterns
    • Decreased libido
    • Feelings of unworthiness

    It’s important to know that anybody can experience this. The earlier you get help, the better. Depression without treatment can last up to weeks, months, and even years.

    Your Personal Toolkit for Battling Seasonal Depression

    Practical Strategies That Actually Work

    1. Light Up Your Life: Literally! Light therapy can be a game-changer. Think of it as a daily dose of sunshine when the world outside is gray.

      Spending time outside in sunlight can help ease symptoms. Light therapy is a real thing. If you can’t get sunlight daily, find an alternative, like a lamp, or you can research different light sources.

      2. Move Your Body: Exercise isn’t about looking perfect – it’s about feeling better. Even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood significantly.

        Get outside and take a walk! Listen to some music or an inspiring podcast. If you’ve been wanting to get into the gym but don’t have the motivation, this is your sign to get up and go!

        3. Connect and Share: Your feelings are real, and you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out to friends, family, or a support group.

          Talking to someone about how you feel will give you a sense of relief you didn’t know you needed.

          4. Stay away from substances: Alcohol and drugs, legal or illegal, make depression worse. They may help you temporarily but do nothing but hinder you long-term. Physically and emotionally.

          5. Therapy: It’s essential to be aware that everyone goes to therapy. It’s not just for those who are feeling mentally unwell.

          Athletes, married couples, pastors, social workers, police officers, no one is exempt from psychotherapy. Based on specific professions, some individuals are required to go to therapy.

          Advertisements

          When to Reach Out for Help

          Listen to your body and mind. If you’re experiencing:

          • Persistent sadness lasting more than two weeks
          • Significant changes in sleep or eating patterns
          • Thoughts of self-harm or feeling hopeless

          It’s time to talk to a healthcare professional. There’s absolutely no shame in seeking support – it’s a sign of strength, not weakness.

          Every woman’s journey with seasonal depression is unique. Some find relief through therapy, others through medication, and many through a combination of approaches. The most important thing to remember? You have the power to manage your mental health.

          Advertisements

          Practical Self-Care Strategies

          • Create a cozy, comforting environment at home
          • Establish a consistent sleep schedule
          • Eat nutritious, mood-boosting foods
          • Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
          • Be kind to yourself – you’re doing the best you can

          Why does SAD happen?

          While there are currently no proven scientific reasons for the cause of seasonal depression, some experts believe that it becoming darker outside earlier is what affects people’s moods/feelings. Drastic time changes can alter people’s sleep schedules, work schedules, and circadian rhythms. Less sunlight equals less serotonin, a chemical linked to our brain that affects our mood.

          Some believe SAD in the spring/summer may be linked to societal pressure as there are more events scheduled during that time of the year.

          A Message of Empowerment

          Seasonal depression doesn’t define you. It’s a challenge you’re facing, not a character flaw. Your worth isn’t determined by your ability to feel happy during the darkest months. You are strong, resilient, and capable of finding light – both literally and metaphorically.

          You’ve Got This!

          Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength. Always remember to surround yourself with positive people. Whether it’s talking to a friend, consulting a therapist, or exploring medical options, you have multiple paths to feeling better.

          Disclaimer: This article is a supportive guide, not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult healthcare professionals for personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.

        1. Facts About Postpartum Depression in Women

          Facts About Postpartum Depression in Women

          It’s a known fact that one in seven women are affected by Postpartum Depression every day. The most important thing is to not make any assumptions and to seek medication. There is a cure for PPD, but it is also important to talk it out.

          What is Postpartum Depression?

          Postpartum Depression, also known as PPD, is a long-lasting emotional distress, typically after childbirth or during pregnancy. Pregnancy comes with many unpleasant side effects, such as nausea, anxiety, and the most common side effect, cravings. It is statistically a very well-known disorder because one in seven new moms depict signs of PPD.

          Advertisements

          Postpartum affects mostly women who were unprepared for pregnancy, women who did not want the pregnancy, and those who were to some extent hopeless during the birth period. It is one of the many ‘baby blues’ – baby blues being the effects of childbirth. PPD is a real disorder that needs medication and if not treated, can last for years.

          Advertisements

          Postpartum Depression Symptoms

          The most common signs of depression are; anxiety, sadness, isolation, laziness, and a negative attitude toward people. PPD, however, has very unique and severe symptoms. Its major symptoms include:

          postpartum depression

          Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

          • Intense and prolonged crying
          • Hopelessness and a deep lack of motivation
          • Withdrawal from your newborn or thoughts of hurting your baby or spouse
          • Insomnia and laziness at all times (inability to do tasks that were easily done before the pregnancy)
          • Lack of appetite or eating a lot at times
          • Overthinking and absent-mindedness – forgetfulness at times too
          • Hallucinations and loss of confidence
          • Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting yourself
          • Slowed decision-making and loss of concentration
          Advertisements

          What causes Postpartum Depression?

          • Pre-pregnancy anxiety or depression
          • Pregnancy strains due to changes that come with the newborn
          • Increased baby chores like; feeding, cleaning, and putting the child to sleep, especially for first-time moms
          • Any family issues that were experienced during or after the pregnancy, e.g., the death of a family member or someone close to the family, and marital fights
          • Financial constraints on either of the spouses’ sides
          • Giving birth to a disabled baby
          • Family history of anxiety disorder
          • Abandonment by family or partner
          • Complications during pregnancy
          Advertisements

          Prevention and Control of PPD

          There is no known prevention method for PPD. Celibacy and avoiding pregnancy may be the only way of preventing PPD, but this is a very far-fetched way of preventing it. Hence the assumption that there is no known way of preventing PPD disorder. There are, however, numerous ways of controlling PPD, such as:
          Talking it out: A problem half-shared is a problem half-solved. If you believe that you have emotional distress, find people with whom you can share it like friends, family, and professional psychiatrists.
          Exercise: Take time out of your day to exercise. There are numerous ways to exercise, like; yoga, running, hitting the gym, and meditation. Through exercising, your mind is set free from negative thoughts that may have caused PPD, and exercising helps you keep fit too.

          Advertisements


          House Assistance          : House chores can be tiring, especially after childbirth. These tasks can be delegated to professional house managers or family friends; this helps reduce hopelessness or any other negative feelings toward babies.
          Plan your life: Failing to plan is planning to fail. It is advisable to plan how you handle your daily tasks, either by keeping a diary or a notebook. Write down all the things you need to do on each particular day. This reduces the likelihood of absentmindedness and speeds decision-making.
          Support Groups: Finding support groups is an effective way of controlling PPD. Talking to other people who may have gone through PPD disorder helps with your recovery journey. Being around people who are as vulnerable as you also increases your confidence.

          Advertisements

          Unknown Facts About PPD

          It’s two-sided: Men’s mental health has been completely ignored in society. Men are believed to have supernatural emotional strength. This is, however, not the case; even male parents go through PPD. A newborn changes the lives of the female mom and her male counterpart. Men have trouble adjusting, especially financially, and this may trigger emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, and abandoning their wives and babies, among other side effects of PPD.
          It affects the growth of an infant: 0 to 5 years is considered the critical age for a child. Trauma or anything negative that happens to an infant between zero and five years old ends up ruining the rest of his or her life. Infants need to be handled with care, any lack of care from the parent’s side, like PPD disorder, may affect the child later on in his or her life.

          Advertisements

          If symptoms persist, medication is required for all PPD patients. Recovery is possible, but only through the proper channels. According to CNN, the first drugs for PPD were approved for use. Drug makers Sage Therapeutics and Biogen have discovered a drug named Zuranolone under the brand name Zurzuvae, which is expected to launch late in 2023. Therapy was the only known way of controlling PPD, and Zuranolone could go a long way towards fastening the recovery process of PPD. It has been recently approved in the US and is therefore not available in other continents that probably need it most.
          We hope, however, that through patient access programs, access will be available soon in third-world countries. Antidepressant drugs can help too, PPD is a form of depression like any other, and thus patients can be prescribed antidepressants.