Depression and Women

I have news for you, women of the world. Research shows women are more likely to be depressed. It’s not enough that women already have to go through uncomfortable monthly cycles and suffer childbirth, but now women have higher chances of being depressed as well! (So not fair!)

At one point, we all feel a little depressed—that’s normal. Life is full of ups and downs so it’s only natural we’ll go through a down times in our lives. It’s when the down time is persistent that it becomes problematic.

Depression is a serious illness and with the holidays coming up, depression will probably increase. Although Christmas is known to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” it is the loneliest for others.

Depression is caused by different factors. Some of these factors are genetics, environmental and psychological.

“There is a risk for developing depression when there is a family history of the illness, indicating that a biological vulnerability may be inherited,” the National Institute of Health said.

A more common cause of depression is the environmental factor, which can range from financial problems, difficult relationship to a major change in life style. Also, those who worry too much, have low self-esteem or feel like they have little control over life are more likely at risk to be depressed.

If you feel sad, have lost interest in pleasure activities or find yourself crying excessively for two weeks or more, you may be in a state of depression. Other symptoms of depression include fatigue, feelings of guilt and hopelessness, change of appetite and thoughts of suicide. Get help now if you are having these symptoms.

Why depression occurs more often in women than men is unclear. However, researchers believe it could be due to hormonal, reproductive and biological factors.

Studies have shown that issues of adolescence are a cause of depression in women. Depression occurs in females as early as age 11 and 13.

“By the age of 15, females are twice as likely to have experienced a major depressive episode as males. This comes at a time in adolescence when roles and expectations change dramatically,” the National Institute of Health said.

“The stresses of adolescence include forming an identity, emerging sexuality, separating from parents, and making decisions for the first time, along with other physical, intellectual, and hormonal changes,” the National Institute of Health said.

Boys are less likely to feel these things because they seem to be built differently and don’t feel the importance of some things girls find critical. (It probably is true that men are from Mars and women are from Venus!)

There is good news, however. Depression can be cured with a variety of treatments. There is antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or both. Deciding on which treatment to go with depends on the level of depression one is experiencing. If thoughts of suicide attempts have occurred, a therapist may be a good option. Consult with a mental health professional before deciding on what treatment to go with.

An easier option is to admit that you have a problem. Talk to someone about what you are going through and don’t be afraid to seek professional help. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll be able to go back to being yourself again.

The bad news is depression may reoccur even after successful treatment. Continuing the same dose of treatment usually helps with recurring depression. If not, ask your physician for more options.

You can find the help you need for depression at many places. Look up “mental health” in the phone book or online. If you have any signs of depression, get the help you need and remember that you are not the only one feeling like this.

Flu, Be Gone!

Ladies and gentlemen, the flu season has arrived. Now would be the time to boost your immune system. Free flu shots are available at a variety of places but if you missed it, you’re going to want to keep scrolling down. Seriously, this is going to prevent making the toilet your best friend.

Just in case you’re in denial about having the flu because you hate visiting the doctor’s office, symptoms of the flu consist of a high fever, muscle aches, sore throat, dry cough and nausea. If you have any signs of the flu, please stay away from the public as it is known to be contagious.

The stomach flu is also highly contagious. I think I once caught it just by breathing the same air as someone with the stomach flu! Okay, that might have been an exaggeration but you get the point. When someone has the stomach flu, he or she will literally feel sick to their stomach. The stomach flu, besides from being drunk, is one of the main reasons your toilet becomes your best friend. If you have any signs of the stomach flu, which includes vomiting and diarrhea, stay in bed until you feel better. There is no cure for this virus.

However, there are simple ways to prevent the flu from entering our bodies and making our lives miserable.

First, wash your hands as much as possible. I even recommend becoming anal about it. Germs spread quickly even if you can’t see it. If your job entitles dealing with a lot of people and exchanging money, make sure you have some hand sanitizer close by. Money carries a lot of germs! Can you even imagine how many hands have touched the money you’re now carrying in your wallet? Also, avoid biting on nails. There are a lot of germs that can be infested there.

Maintaining what you consume can also boost your immune system and help prevent the flu. Organic foods, fresh veggies and fruits are great for building a stronger immune system. Taking vitamin C supplements will help in making your immune system stronger as well. Dr. Joseph Brasco from preventheflu.com also recommends trying to avoid starchy foods such as pasta, rice, potatoes and bread to insure “proper blood sugar control.”

Eating mushrooms or anything containing omega-3 fatty acids can enhance your immune system. According to Dr. Brasco, mushrooms have “immunostimulating properties, and can pack a ‘one-two punch’ for increased immunity.” Studies have showed that consuming these products can reduce the chances of getting a disease.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. With work, school and exams, I know it must seem impossible to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night. However, if you prioritize and manage your time wisely, you will be able to get the amount of rest your body needs. Proper sleep is the best cure to getting better because it’s free!

Take the time to relax. Stress can weaken the immune system. If you feel your brain is on overdrive, give yourself a few minutes to take some deep breaths. Roll your shoulders and lean your head back to relieve the tension in your neck.

Regular exercise can help prevent from getting the flu. Exercising keeps your body and mind active and healthy therefore increases the strength of your immune system.

On this note, keep yourself safe, healthy and flu-free. Kick your immune system up a notch, not only to prevent the flu but to live a longer and healthier life.