These words dropped into my childish mind as if you should accidentally drop a ring into a deep well. I did not think of them much at the time, but there came a day in my life when the ring was fished up out of the well, good as new

Depression in Women - ( 2 )


What is the impact of depression on pregnancy?

The potential impact of depression on a pregnancy includes the following:

  • Depression can interfere with a woman's ability to care for herself during pregnancy. She may be less able to follow medical recommendations and to sleep and eat properly.
  • Depression can cause a woman to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and/or illegal drugs, which could harm the baby.
  • Depression can make bonding with the baby difficult.

Pregnancy may have the following impact on depression in women:

  • The stresses of pregnancy can cause depression or a recurrence or worsening of depression symptoms.
  • Depression during pregnancy can increase the risk for having depression after delivery (called postpartum depression).

What are my options if I'm depressed during pregnancy?


Preparing for a new baby is lots of hard work. But your health should come first. Resist the urge to get everything done, cut down on your chores, and do things that will help you relax. In addition, talking about things that concern you is very important. Talk to your friends, your partner, and your family. If you ask for support, you will find you often get it.

If you're feeling down and anxious, consider seeking therapy. Ask your doctor or midwife for a referral to a mental health care professional.

How is depression in women treated during pregnancy?

Growing evidence suggests that many of the currently available antidepressant medicines are safe for treating depression during pregnancy, at least in terms of the potential short-term effects on the baby. Long-term effects continue to be studied. Risks can differ depending on medication. Untreated depression can put both mother and infant at risk. You should discuss the possible risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor.

How is postpartum depression in women treated?

Postpartum depression, or depression following childbirth, can be treated like other forms of depression. That means using medicines and/or psychotherapy. If a woman is breastfeeding, the decision to take an antidepressant must be made with her doctor after a discussion of risks and benefits. According to the NIH, problems to nursing infants from mothers taking antidepressants are few.

Does the prevalence of depression in women increase at midlife?

Perimenopause is the stage of a woman's reproductive life that begins eight to 10 years before menopause. In the last one to two years of perimenopause, the decrease in estrogen accelerates. At this stage, many women experience menopausal symptoms.

Menopause is the period of time when a woman stops having her monthly period and experiences symptoms related to the lack of estrogen production. By definition, a woman is in menopause after her periods have stopped for one year. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late 40s to early 50s. However, women who have their ovaries surgically removed undergo "sudden" menopause.

The drop in estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause triggers physical and emotional changes -- such as depression or anxiety. Like at any other point in a woman's life, there is a relationship between hormone levels and physical and emotional symptoms. Some physical changes include irregular or skipped periods, heavier or lighter periods, and hot flashes.

How can I cope with symptoms of menopause?

There are many ways you can ease menopause symptoms and maintain your health. These tips include ways to cope with mood swings, fears, and depression:

  • Eat healthfully and exercise regularly.
  • Engage in a creative outlet or hobby that fosters a sense of achievement.
  • Find a self-calming skill to practice -- such as yoga, meditation, or slow, deep breathing.
  • Keep your bedroom cool to prevent night sweats and disturbed sleep.
  • Seek emotional support from friends, family members, or a professional counselor when needed.
  • Stay connected with your family and community and nurture your friendships.
  • Take medicines, vitamins, and minerals as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Take steps such as wearing loose clothing to stay cool during hot flashes.

How is depression in women treated?


There are a variety of methods used to treat depression, including medications such as antidepressants and psychotherapy. Antidepressants carry a boxed warning about the increased risk of suicidal thinking or suicidal behavior by children, adolescents, and young adults taking tham. All people taking antidepressants should be closely monitored. Changes such as worsening depression, suicidal thinking or behavior, agitation, sleep problems, or withdrawal from normal social activity should be reported to your health care provider.

Family therapy may be helpful if family stress adds to your depression. Your mental health care provider will determine the best course of treatment for you. If you are uncertain who to call for help with depression, check out the following list from the National Institute of Mental Health:

  • community mental health centers
  • employee assistance programs
  • family doctors
  • family service/social agencies
  • health maintenance organizations
  • hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
  • local medical and/or psychiatric societies
  • mental health specialists such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
  • private clinics and facilities
  • state hospital outpatient clinics
  • university or medical school affiliated programs ( webmd.com )





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