Don’t Let Depression Sideline You

Almost twice as many women as men suffer from depression, and about one in five women develop depression at some point in their lifetimes. However, many women do not seek help.

“Often, people don’t recognize that they may be suffering from depression,” says Susan Evans, PhD, Professor of Psychology in Clinical Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. “For example, they may attribute symptoms to the perceived stress and demands of everyday life.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Healthcare providers that treat depression include:

Psychiatrists: Physicians (MDs) who specialize in mental disorders. They can prescribe medications and also treat with talk therapy.

Psychologists: Hold a doctorate degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) or master’s degree in psychology. They can diagnose depression and treat with talk therapy. In most states, they cannot prescribe drugs.

Psychiatric nurses
: Registered nurses (RN) trained in psychiatry. In some states, they can prescribe medications, but only under a doctor’s supervision.

Even if they do recognize signs of depression, women still may resist treatment because of its negative stigma. “Some women feel a sense of embarrassment and think depression is a sign of weakness,” says Dr. Evans. But it’s time to get past the stigma: Depression is a disease that arises from biochemical abnormalities, just like diabetes or osteoporosis.

Untreated depression can derail relationships, careers, and individual lives, and it may even become life-threatening if it is severe enough to produce suicidal thoughts. “It’s important for women to learn the signs and symptoms of depression, to realize that they are not alone, and to know that there are many ways to find help,” says Dr. Evans.

Recognize Symptoms

It is normal to feel down or “blue” sometimes, but if a low mood lingers beyond a couple of weeks, it could signal depression, says Dr. Evans.

Depression is divided into three categories: major, dysthymic disorder, and minor. All three share many of the same symptoms, which include a loss of or diminished interest in pleasurable activities, increased negative thoughts of yourself, and feelings of helplessness. A depressed person may become more isolated and withdraw from social situations or frequently cancel plans with friends and family.

Other symptoms include fatigue, irritability, and changes in the sleep cycle (more or fewer hours than usual) and appetite (cravings for sugary and high-fat foods, or a loss of hunger).

The difference between the three types of depression is in the severity and duration of symptoms. With major depression, symptoms last for at least two weeks and interrupt daily life. An episode of depression may occur only once in a woman’s lifetime, but more often, a person experiences several episodes. Dysthymic disorder is not as severe as major depression, and it often may not interfere with daily functioning, but it may last two years or longer. Minor depression may come and go, and does not disrupt everyday life. The only way to determine if you are suffering from depression, and what type, is to see a healthcare professional experienced in evaluating and diagnosing depression.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

  • Sadness that lasts more than a few weeks
  • Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
  • Feeling helpless
  • Fatigue, low energy
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Changes in sleep or appetite

Treatment Options

Antidepressant medications are a common and effective treatment. They help to correct imbalances in brain chemicals linked to depression, such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

However, some women experience side effects when taking an antidepressant, such as headaches, nausea, agitation, and a drop in sexual desire. (Side effects often decrease as a person acclimates to the medication.)

“Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, and Lexapro, tend to have fewer side effects than the older tricyclic antidepressants,” says Dr. Evans. Also, the medications often take a few weeks to take effect, so continuing to take the medication is crucial, even if you don’t feel better right away.

Another effective option is psychotherapy. There is strong evidence that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) help women overcome their depression, says Dr. Evans.

For severe depression that doesn’t respond to other types of treatment, a treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be helpful. In TMS, an electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp near the forehead and creates electric currents that stimulate nerve cells in the brain region involved in mood control.

“While depression is a serious condition, there are excellent treatments that can restore a sense of well-being,” says Dr. Evans. “Recognizing the presence of mood symptoms and seeking help are important first steps in managing depression and altering its course.”

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