emotional

The Common Cold of Psychiatry

Bonnie Harken, Founder and CEO Crossroads Programs for Women

Depression

t is often thought that women are more prone to depression than men. Figures for the lifetime prevalence of depression vary according to the criteria used to define depression. Using DSM-IVs criteria for major depressive disorder, which are similar to the ICD-10 criteria for moderate depression, the lifetime prevalence of depression is about 15 percent and the point prevalence about 5 percent. This means that an average person has about a one in seven (15 percent) chance of developing depression in the course of his or her lifetime, and about a 1 in 20 (5 percent) chance of suffering from it at this very point in time. But this may be misleading because it is not gender specific. Women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. The reasons are not entirely clear but it appears that the answer is biological, psychological, and sociocultural. Women have higher incidence of fluctuating hormone levels. Most obvious is postpartum depression and menopause. Genetically we have a greater genetic predisposition to depression. Women are more likely to think (or overthink?) about problems which is a strength and a weakness. We are also by our God-given nature more invested in relationships. The affect on women of relationship problems often leads to depression. Men are more apt to react to relationship problems with anger, substance misuse, or with a stoic tolerance that we, as women, see as indifference. From a cultural standpoint, women often have stress due to multiple responsibilities of working, bringing up children, maintaining a home, caring for older relatives, and the list goes on. In addition, women
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live longer than men. The loss of their support system of partners and friends through death and the resulting loneliness combined with declining physical conditions can lead to depression. A woman is more apt to talk to her physician about her feelings and be diagnosed more frequently with depression. Which leads us to wondering whether it is more prevalent in women or more diagnosed in women than men? Regardless of the answer, depression results in many women feeling hopeless and helpless. A research study (Ages and Stages) by the University of California Los Angeles says that younger women depend on friends when depressed but women going through menopause and older rely on medication. Young women think they can just get over depression with the aid of friends and family. This is when the first episode of major depression is most likely maybe after childbirth or a failed relationship. When women are in their 40s and 50s, depression may be assumed to be part of menopause and consequently the condition may go unrecognized. However, life changes (children leaving home, divorce, and aging parents) may be the actual triggers for depression rather than menopause. In their sixties, women tend to keep depression to themselves. In this survey, fewer than one in five confided in others. If they are dealing with the loss of a spouse, this can intensify their feeling of isolation. The take-home message of the survey is that younger women should realize that depression is a real illness that may need medical treatment. The older woman should recognize the importance of social support, as well as medication, in treating depression.

Triggers of Depression
There are many well-known depression triggers: Trauma, grief, financial troubles, and unemployment are just a few. But if you are depressed and none of these apply to you, it can be hard to pinpoint a specific cause. The following is a list of some surprising causes of depression:  Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) (winter blues and summer delay in adjusting to season changes)  Smoking (nicotine affects the neurotransmitter activity in the brain) Thyroid Problems Sleep Deprivation Internet Addiction  The ending of a highly enjoyed and anticipated event even a TV show, movie or home renovation  Urban living (Research has shown that people living in urban settings have a 39 percent higher risk of mood disorders and that their brains show more activity in the part of the brain that regulates higher levels of stress.)  Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon and vegetable oils, may be associated with a greater risk of depression in women.  Research shows that unhappy sibling relationships before the age of 20 was linked to depression later in life for men. Medication side effects (including oral contraceptives) Source: Health.com

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which focuses on changing behavior, rather than talking about your childhood, for instance can be effective with medication or even a substitute for drugs. It is much more focused on what you seem to be doing and thinking that is keeping you depressed. Hopelessness and helplessness are feelings that overcome us when we are depressed. Hope is a crucial ingredient in all healing physical and emotional. So depression can become very debilitating for this reason. Ask most women who have experienced depression and they will relate that they just want to stay in bed and pull the covers over their heads! Hopelessness robs us of the joy of each day and from fully embracing all that life has to offer. There is help, and tomorrow does not have to be like today, but things wont change until the depressed person reaches out for help. Bonnie Harken, Founder and CEO, Crossroads Programs for Women, has been in the mental health field since 1987. Look for upcoming workshops at Crossroads Programs for Women in Pekin, where you can begin your journey of finding renewal, hope, joy, direction, and passion. Visit: www.crossroadsprogramsforwomen.com. Call today: 800-348-0937.

September 2013 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 11