Depression
- One in five women can expect to develop clinical depression during their lifetime.
- More than 19 million Americans are afflicted with clinical depression each year.
Symptoms of Depression
The National Mental Health Association says symptoms of depression include the following:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
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- Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling "slowed down"
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- Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities, including sex
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- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
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- Restlessness, irritability or excessive crying
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- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
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- Sleeping too much or too little, early morning awakening
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- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain
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Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a condition that can strike women who have had a child recently. It affects about 10 percent of new mothers, and it appears within two to eight weeks after birth. The condition may occur after any birth.
Risk Factors
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, women are more at risk for postpartum depression when they:
- Have a history of moderate to severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
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- Suffer low self-esteem or trouble managing stresses
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- Suffer depression or anxiety during pregnancy
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- Have a family history of depression, anxiety disorder or alcohol abuse
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- Have an unwanted pregnancy
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- Are having a newborn with physical or behavioral problems.
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- Have a long, complicated pregnancy
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- Lack emotional support, including lack of a supportive partner or conflict with your partner
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- Experience a stressful event, such as the illness or death of a loved one, moving or difficulties at work
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Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
- Inability to sleep, or sleeping a lot, even when the baby is awake
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- Difficulty concentrating or remembering
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- Loss of interest in hobbies or other usual activities
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- Lethargy or extreme fatigue
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- Feeling unable to love the baby or your family
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- Anger toward the baby, your partner or other family members
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- Numbness or tingling in your arms or legs
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- Fear of harming your baby
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- Frequent calls to the pediatrician with an inability to be reassured
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- Sadness or excessive crying
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- Feelings of doubt, guilt, helplessness, hopelessness or restlessness
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- Extreme concern and worry about the baby or a lack of interest or feelings for the baby
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- Recurrent thoughts of death, which may include thinking about or even planning suicide.
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Suicide
- It is the 8th leading cause of death in the United States.
- Each year, 30,000 Americans commit suicide and an additional 500,000 individuals attempt to take their lives.
- Suicide rates increase as people age.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
SAD, or Winter Depression, is a condition caused by a deficiency of light during winter months. SAD affects females more than males. Symptoms of SAD include:
- Increased appetite
- Binge eating of high carbohydrate foods
- Weight gain
- Inability to sleep, or need for sleep, and difficulty waking
- Immobilized and/or suicidal ideas
- Decreased energy
- Decreased creativity
Treatment of Depression
Cynthia Davidson, D.O., a physician practicing preventive medicine in Wells, Maine recommends the following for women who may be suffering from depression:
- Learn to recognize symptoms and go to a doctor for help.
- If depression runs in your family, then you at a higher risk for developing it.
- Find areas of your life that may be affecting you adversely and make changes.
- Be good to yourself. Treat yourself to quality time often.
- Find a good support system, whether it is a friend, a family member or a formal support group.
- People respond differently, and medication may not work right away. Discuss your progress with your doctor.
The American Osteopathic Association (AOA) urges women to contact their osteopathic family physician for advice on preserving good health for an active lifestyle. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are especially well qualified to assist in preventive healthcare since they are fully trained licensed physicians who have additional training that focuses on the body's structure and function, and its ability to heal itself. DOs are physicians who treat people, not just symptoms.