Myths and truth about female depression

Life goes on as usual. We hurry to work, meet with friends and friends, take care of the house. It seems to be everything, as always. But sometimes there comes a day when everything falls out of hand, the mood is nowhere worse and I want to cry for anything. We say: depression has piled up. But what do we really know about this very depression? And is the female depression different from the male? In this article - myths and the truth about female depression.

Signs of female depression

About the female depression novels are written, movies are shot, performances are staged. A vulnerable female soul experiences the most depressed period most depressed. In this state, the most daring, ridiculous, ridiculous, and sometimes terrible acts are committed. Perhaps that is why there are incredible myths about the depression of women in the people. Surprisingly, many representatives of the human race do not even know that they are depressed. The youngest girls know the least about depression. They think that they are just in a bad mood. Meanwhile, depression is a kind of disease that can and should be treated. To determine if you have depression, pay attention to the following symptoms:

- It is natural for a woman to be sad for some time after sad events. But when gloomy thoughts begin to chase you for more than 2 weeks - be wary.

- Constant: a decline in strength and increased fatigue.

- Excessive sleep and insomnia.

- Lack of appetite or vice versa: a person constantly snacks without feeling hungry.

- Excessive excitement or inhibition (sometimes these states are replaced several times per day each other).

- Deterioration of attention, speed of reactions, inability to concentrate.

- Constant sense of own worthlessness, inferiority, guilt.

- Obsessive thoughts about suicide, death, indifference to pleasures, loss of interest in the favorite occupation.

Myths and truths

Myths and truth about women's depression is an actual topic for discussion. Subheadings give examples of the most common myths. And then - their scientific confirmation or refutation.

Myth: Women's depression - just a temporary decline in mood, will pass by itself

Explanation: Depression is a serious disease. Of course, with its easy form, a person can manage himself. But the diagnosis should be dealt with by doctors, not by mom or girlfriends. Without proper treatment, especially with a severe form of depression, this disease can last for years. Occasionally fade, periodically amplify. Depression can develop into a serious psychological illness. Depression is a complex neurobiological problem, in the solution of which it is necessary to make considerable efforts not only for the woman, but for her environment.

Myth: A woman who is depressed already has a mental disorder. And treatment by a psychiatrist is a shameful stigma for life. Also on the account will put

Explanation: Any disease, including depression, is not a disgrace, but a person's misfortune. By the way, women even with chronic depression are not hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. To treat acute forms of depression, there are specialized anti-crisis centers that are similar to sanatoriums. And a psychiatric hospital can be forcibly registered only if the patient has been hospitalized more than once by an ambulance after unsuccessful attempts at suicide.

Myth: Depression is forever

Explanation: The truth about depression is this: if help is provided competently and on time, then a depression episode may be the first and last. The skilled work of the psychotherapist, mild sedatives and support of loved ones works wonders.

Myth: Antidepressants are dangerous to health

Explanation: In part, yes. Although all drugs have contraindications and side effects. The most common side effects of antidepressants are: headaches, decreased libido, drowsiness, increased or decreased appetite, and others. All these troubles a woman risks to get and without treatment: depression contributes to a set of extra pounds, and the loss of a full sexual life. Only side effects occur after stopping medication, but untreated depression can last for years.

Myth: You can prescribe antidepressants to yourself

Explanation: No! Antidepressants are potent drugs. They are selected individually, according to the testimony. Especially important are the duration of administration and the exact dosage.

Myth: Antidepressants can cause addiction

Explanation: This is partly true. True, modern drugs, which are used strictly according to the doctor's instructions, do not cause a physiological dependence. But psychological - yes, but only if treated uncontrollably.

Myth: Women are more likely to be depressed than men

Explanation: Alas, this is so. A prolonged depression is observed in every fourth woman, and only in every eighth man. All the fault of female hormones, which in certain physiological periods lead to uncontrolled changes in mood. By the way, women and men suffer from depression in different ways. Men are prone to outbursts of rage and irritation. Begin to lead an antisocial way of life (drunkenness, fights, etc.). Women behave differently: they overeat, cry for no reason, sleep more than eight hours.

Myth: Depression is an exclusively psychological state

Explanation: In part, yes. The problem of depression most often "sits in my head," but sometimes the body is guilty of depression. Depression - a companion of some diseases (arthritis, sclerosis, allergies).

We talked about myths and the truth of female depression. However, the words in the matter can not be helped. If there are signs of depression, you need to act - immediately contact a specialist.