Women who have been victims of abuse, rape or other sexual harassment are also at high risk for depression.
Victimization and often criminalization of the victim causes low self-esteem, self-blaming and a general helplessness.
The survivors are at high risk for major depressive episodes and it can lead to self-harm and suicidal tendencies.
A culture of neglect and prejudice brings out the statistics of suicides and depression in women.
While we cannot change the country right now, we can look out for the signs of depression in women, and then help them speak out or talk to someone.
We can also talk about depression, spread awareness and reduce the social stigma around getting help for mental health problems.
Depression is widely prevalent in women in all age groups especially in India.
The current scenario of underdiagnosed, untreated cases of females suffering from depression, the hurdles faced by Indian women.
This include inadequate number of mental health professionals, lack of awareness, stigma, disadvantaged position of women, multiple roles, increased levels of stress, and domestic violence.
In addition, depression is also an important consequence of domestic violence, which affects between one-quarter and over one-half of women at some point in their lives.
Routine screening of all female patients visiting general hospitals and medical facilities settings for domestic violence should be made mandatory so as to prevent detrimental physical and mental health consequences.
Recently, there has been a growing trend in India of shifting the age-old status of women from homemakers to the working class, which offers them independence, financial and stability.
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Thank you …. Hormonal fluctuations stimulate mood changes similar to those in depression, therefore making women vulnerable to stress.
Girls who typically reach puberty at an earlier age than boys show signs of depression on the onset of puberty due to emerging sexuality, identity issues, conflict with parents, etc.
During pregnancy, dramatic changes in hormones due to factors such as unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage, lifestyle changes, infertility, and the lack of social support can stress women to the point of severe depression.
Hormonal fluctuations stimulate mood changes similar to those in depression, therefore making women vulnerable to stress.
Girls who typically reach puberty at an earlier age than boys show signs of depression on the onset of puberty due to emerging sexuality, identity issues, conflict with parents, etc.
During pregnancy, dramatic changes in hormones due to factors such as unwanted pregnancy, miscarriage, lifestyle changes, infertility, and the lack of social support can stress women to the point of severe depression.
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Widowed older adults are at higher risk of developing depression than non-widowed. However, it is important to note that not all widowed older adults experience depression.
Depression in older adults may look similar to depression in younger adults. Only a mental health professional can diagnose depression, but it’s helpful to know what to look for.
It could be beneficial to consider changes in how you feel.
Are you: fatigued? Disinterested in things you love?
Overwhelmed by the thought of socializing?
Feeling hopeless or worthless?
It’s also helpful to look at changes in how and what you’re thinking.
Do they believe there is no point in doing anything?
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It is said that long hours of working under strict deadlines cause high of working women to suffer from depression or general anxiety disorder compared to women with lesser levels of psychological demands at work.
Work pressure and deadlines have led to skip meals and go for junk food.
Women employed in sectors that demand more time such as media, knowledge process outsourcing, and touring jobs are unable to take leave when unwell and force themselves to work mainly due to job insecurity, especially, during the current financial meltdown
Sometimes though, sadness turns to hopelessness. It seems harder to reach out to people or to eat or sleep as you typically do. If symptoms persist daily for two or more weeks, you — or an older loved one in your life — may have depression.
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