WOMEN AND DEPRESSION      

Clinical Depression is the leading psychiatric diagnosis for women.  Overall, depression is twice as common in women as in men: in the 25-44 year-old age group, it is three times as common in women.

When dealing with depression, it is important to take care of yourself in the following ways:

• Take things slowly.  Do not expect to do all the things you were able to do in the past.  Set a schedule that is realistic for you.
• Remember that negative thinking (blaming yourself, feeling hopeless. Expect failure, etc.) is part of depression.  As the depression lifts, the negative thinking will go away, too.
• Avoid making major life decisions during a depression.  If you must make a major decision about your life, ask your health care provider or someone you trust to help you.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.  Research shows that drinking too much alcohol and using drugs can cause or worsen a depression.  It can also lower the effectiveness of antidepressant medicines or cause dangerous side effects.
• Understand that it took time for the depression to develop, and it will take time for it to go away.

Effective treatment for clinical depression includes medication and psychotherapy, used singly or in combination.  A complete examination by doctor or a mental health specialist is necessary to make a correct diagnosis.  A medical examination is recommended to eliminate the possibility of other medical conditions.

Remember, major depression is not caused by personal weakness, laziness, or lack of will power.  It is a medical illness that can be treated.