Nobody--not even Kelly Ripa--is
cheerful all the time. If you can't shake the blues, here's
what you need to know.
In Depth: 10 Blues
Busters
Why are women at such a high risk? "There's no one
trigger, but we believe hormones can play a role, as can genetic
predisposition," says Roselyn Watkins, Ph.D., supervising
psychologist at Friends Hospital in Philadelphia. Watkins notes
that societal expectations have an impact as well. "Women are
expected to be perfect wives, great moms and flawless workers, and
to appear young and beautiful at all times too. That pressure can
contribute to depression."
One landmark study from the
1970s found that nearly half of women physicians and 73% of women
Ph.Ds had experienced depression, while another 1999 study of
female physicians conducted by Emory University in Atlanta found
that some 20% were depressed. A 2007 study from British researchers
found that workers (male or female) with high levels of job stress
are twice as likely to develop depression as those with low levels
of career-related stress.
But those figures don't
only reflect the professional and highly educated. More women,
including women of color, are likely to work second or third
shifts, head single-parent households and have sub-prime mortgages.
They might feel guilty about their depression or simply not have
time for it and push the blues to the mental back burner.
Even in an age where sexual
dysfunction and menstrual cycles are all brunch fodder, depression
unfortunately remains a taboo topic--which may explain why surveys
show that fewer than half of women who experience depression seek
help. That shouldn't be the case, insists Charles Conway, M.D.,
associate professor of psychiatry at Washington University School
of Medicine in St. Louis. "I tell patients to think of
depression as a stress reaction. It is not a weakness in character
or a defect; it's simply a [physical response]." He adds,
"You should absolutely not avoid getting help because of a
stigma surrounding depression. There are so many treatments that
are proven effective and very safe. [Plus] quite a few studies now
suggest that it's dangerous for your brain to be in that
state.
In fact, untreated
depression can be devastating. A recent Finnish study reveals that
depressed people are twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome,
a condition that can lead to heart disease and diabetes--which may
help explain why depression also increases the risk of both
conditions. Research shows that women who are depressed are more
likely to have eating disorders or to gain weight. Of course,
depression can also cause relationship rifts, hurt your performance
at work and sap your libido--all of which can make your blues even
worse.
If you're feeling
depressed, the last thing you should do is wait it out in the hopes
that you'll suddenly feel better. "It's dangerous to
pretend it isn't a big deal, especially if you've been
feeling blue for more than two weeks," says Stacey Rosenfeld,
Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in private practice in New York City
who is also a staff psychologist at Columbia University Medical
Center. Notably, depression isn't just about sadness, and in
fact many symptoms, such as feelings of irritation and frustration,
are overlooked.
Studies suggest that more
than half of women who undergo treatment, and stick with it, will
get significant relief. Talk therapy, a.k.a. psychotherapy, is
still considered a gold standard of depression treatment and is
especially helpful for milder forms of depression; it even appears
to help reduce the incidence of further depressive episodes. Women
with major depression should consider talking to their doctor or
psychiatrist about antidepressants, either alone or in conjunction
with psychotherapy. "Studies show that a combination of
antidepressants and talk therapy is especially effective for
treating moderate to severe depression, and in a perfect world,
every patient would have access to both," says Dr. Conway.
And although this advice
extends to all women, if you're depressed, it's especially
important to take care of yourself. "Stay active and exercise
as much as you can, and get adequate sleep," recommends
Rosenfeld. "Seek social support and find people who make you
feel good." She also strongly advises delegating.
"Don't try to be superwoman; it's not a failure to
say, 'I can't do this.' Take on what you can, and let
the rest go."
In Depth: 10 Blues
Busters
More From Forbes.com:
How To Tackle Downturn-Related
Depression
Parents' Guide To College
Depression
14 Reasons You're Not
Sleeping
Depression Hurts
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From the Community…
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Posted by Thu Jul 9, 2009 11:28am PDT
Report AbuseYa and you can't get rid of it, it's a bad thing, but its all in the head! Taking medication just numbs you, fight it!!
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Posted by Thu Jul 9, 2009 1:24pm PDT
Report AbuseNone,
It's not something you can just fight off. It's a real chemical imbalance that may need meds to even it out. I'm a much better person with my meds. When off them I can barely function. Any one who has suffered from depression knows it's not just a regular case of the blues. It can last months, or years depending on what it is. Happy thoughts does not make it better. Here's to hoping the stigma of depression is soon gone and people can get the help they need without fear of judgement. It's not something you chose. It choses you.
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Posted by Fri Jul 10, 2009 6:14am PDT
Report AbuseI agree, fiestykatie. I've dealt with pretty severe depression myself for a number of years and I am far from a weak person and, no, you can't just "fight it." However, you can get rid of it. You can fix the chemical imbalances and learn effective ways to deal with situations that contribute to it and get better. That's not to say it won't come back: for some it does, for others it doesn't.
The article suggests that it's the "stigma" of depression that keeps women from getting help. From my experience, I would have to disagree. In my depressed state, I didn't really care what society thought about it. It took me a long time to get help because I was too depressed to do anything about it. Then I would feel worse about not being able to get help. Its a vicious cycle.
If you are depressed, find someone who can push you to get help. Make an appointment with your family doctor, be sure to tell them that its for depression and they'll get you in pretty quickly. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication or therapy based on what's right for you. But please get help. Things WILL get better if you do.
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Posted by Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:25am PDT
Report AbuseIt's not all in your head, it's a medical state just like diabetes or heart disease. Get help, and get over the stigma. You can get better, life can be good again!!!!
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Posted by Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:22am PDT
Report AbuseSomeone saying it is all in your head, is part of the reason so many people don't seek treatment. There is still a stigma. Being depressed doesn't mean you are crazy and with the economy, more and more people are feeling it. Depression leads to so many health problems or as a last resort suicide, and women are especially vulnerable. So many of us feel overwhelmed and just want the crazy to stop. Sometimes councelling, or just having someone who cares can lift you out of it, but others require medication. St. Johns Wort, and Samee are some natural things you can try. Saying Depression is all in your head, just means you haven't been there yet. Menopause and pms were thought to be all in our heads too at one time. I am reminded of the walk a mile in someones shoes....
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Posted by Sun Jul 12, 2009 11:44am PDT
Report AbuseI think I am getting to the point of seeking help, it's finding the time to.My husband having been told he had lung cancer in May and all the treatments for that and the reaction to drugs from radiation to the brain were alot to bare and shoulder the responsibility of doing the right thing and staying in a hellish ordeals daily his for solid month, while the pressure of having no choice but to stick it out cause that's what you're supposed to do,even if you feel threatened. That month has came to pass and now it's chemo and radiation to his lung. To see if it can delay the cancer from spreading further I feeling so lonely even though he is good health now, the radiation has got him forgetful and distant, sleeps alot now so it's like living alone, only during the day I work take then drive 25 miles to get which ever treatment he needs that day. Living on one income right now bills piling up I have insurance but you have to be out about $5000. before it really kicks in. So unfair of me to feel cheated when he is going through much worse circumstances.
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Posted by Sun Jul 12, 2009 2:23pm PDT
Report AbuseI am a man that loves and appreciate woman and recognizes women as the backbone of our society. I understand all about depression and the zombie like state that stems from it. I've had it before and never got help about it. What I did do was become active. Laughter is the best cure even when you don't feel motivated to laugh. There was something in your past that makes you laugh.....think about it. Pam all I can say is that your husband is still here. Try your best to really appreciate him and tell him what you love about him most. Lay right beside him and whisper loving things in his ear while he's awake and also while he sleeps. Be greatful you still have time with him and don't worry about bills. He needs you now more than ever, this is a critical time in his recovery process. Encourage him, praise him and never feel like he is a burden on you. Talk to him about your relationship at a earlier time and find that passion you felt when you guys had your first kiss. You can do it and I pray that god gives you the strength to keep going. Love never fails!
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Posted by Sun Jul 12, 2009 8:04pm PDT
Report Abusedeperession is a mental illness and people still place stigmas on people who talk about it. they think you can just shake it off, you can't. i am a strong person and it is only by faith and God blessing me with excellent doctors that i am overcoming the battle
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Posted by Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:00pm PDT
Report Abuse"Women are expected to be perfect wives, great moms and flawless workers, and to appear young and beautiful at all times too."
"Don't try to be superwoman; it's not a failure to say, 'I can't do this.' Take on what you can, and let the rest go."
That is the cause my depression. I don't want to be perfect, but people, like your bosses, co-workers, clients, customers, boyfriend, parents - they are relying on me to do a good job, take care and handle myself. If I can't do a perfect job, my bf won't consider marrying me or trusting our children to me. People who would like to give you work can't even rely on you.
I'm always thinking: ok,ok I need to be keen and astute and aware of everything. People have their jobs and they are expected to do quality job. Women should perform the same thing. It's causing me more problems thinking this way. But I would rather be feeling this depression because it's makes me more alert and careful. Not that I like it. It's better than doing a lousy job and having everyone look down on you right?
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