Men Vs. Depression
Career loss, disappointments in life, financial barriers, and relationship break-up are observed to be the chief causes of depression in men. Instead of opening up with the issue, men tend to hide their emotional problems. Untreated depression could take grave avatars in the form of suicide, especially in case of men.
Changes you need to bring in your lifestyle
Social support is the key
Erectile dysfunction and depression
Generally, men are hesitant to talk about their sexual health problems as they are protective or obsessed about their manhood. This may eventually lead to depression. Erectile dysfunction or impotence is a much discussed subject associated with depression in men. It is not only a cause of depression, but also one of the effects or aftermath of depression in men. A scientific survey unveils that men with erectile problems are depressed as twice the rate than those without. Erectile problem could also very well be a side effect of antidepressant medicines.
Women Vs. Depression
Depression or feeling “down in the dumps” is different in both sexes. When it comes to females, they are more prone to the emotional illness than males. The signs, causes, and pattern of depression are also different. Though the illness is curable, it is to be noted that every 1 in 8 women goes through depression at some course of time in her life.
Symptoms reflecting depression in women
Depression due to psychological reasons
- Irresistible stress: Progesterone is a female sex hormone that does not allow the stress hormone system to deactivate as it does in males when exposed to overpowering stress at home, work, or educational institutions. Biologically, females produce more stress hormones and develop depression via stress compared to males
- Rumination over negative feelings: Women tend to rehash on their personal issues and causes of depression unlike men who prefer distracting themselves from depression. This includes rediscussing and reopening personal matters with friends, thinking and trying to figure out the cause of depression, and crying to relieve from stress
- Physical appearance issues: At the time of sexual development of puberty, body dissatisfaction issues generally rise up in girls. Some women get over obsessed about how they look and what others think about their body, which make them depressed if they’re dissatisfied with others’ responses
Depression due to biological reasons
- Health issues: Similar to men, women too can get depressed with disability, chronic sickness, or injury. Quitting from addictions such as those relating to drugs, smoking, alcohol, etc., and dieting could make women mildly depressed
- Infertility: Biological issues like unwanted sex, unwanted pregnancy, inability to become a mother (infertility), etc., could contribute towards depression in women, especially those at high risk during pregnancy
- Menopause: Women commonly experience depression during their menopause periods where the sexual hormones fluctuate speedily. They may go through same experience during perimenopause as well
- PMS: For most women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is normal. However, some may contract premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) where a doctor’s consult could come into picture. Severe hormonal changes while PMS-ing such as fatigue, bloating, irritability, annoyance, etc., could lead to depression
- Baby blues: Postpartum depression or baby blues is a depressive complaint of all new mothers. Influenced by hormonal fluctuations, it generally subsides within a few weeks; nevertheless, mothers with lasting periods of baby blues should be consulted by a doctor
Depression due to social reasons
- Overburdened family responsibilities relating to spouse, children, and age-old parents
- Relentless financial issues
- Struggles while coping up with career development
- Stress while finding a balance between work/career and family
- Personal or marital problems
- Death of a loved one
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Symptoms
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Treatment
Self-help measures to treat depression
Males and females get depressed differently
General guidelines to treat depression
- Break up each task and tackle one problem at a time to avoid stress, as even simple tasks seem to be challenging during depression
- Make yourself feel special each day by going for a walk, visiting a pleasant location, or having a special meal
- Focus on essential tasks first and keep aside less important ones. Delay taking important decisions. Have a rational perspective towards your work. This will help to reduce more stress
- To deal with infrequent pessimism or sad thoughts, listen to soft or pleasing music or watch your favorite TV program
- Speaking out your problems does not reflect weakness. Instead of bottling up things inside you, share your emotions with your loved ones or family members
- Exercise is important to get relieved from depression as it releases the required chemicals in your brain and instantly boosts your mood. Try gardening, walking your dog, or doing small tasks that exercise your body
- Include enough vegetables, potatoes, pasta, rice, and fruits in your daily diet. Don’t skip meals. Choose foods that you enjoy
- Ecstasy, cannabis, and other recreational drugs could have a lasting effect on you and further contribute towards depression. Avoid all addictive products including alcohol
- Don’t sleep during daytime. Reduce the intake of caffeine to get a good sleep at night
- Identifying the cause of depression and defining it could help to keep away guilt, anger, and depressive emotions. This will also help to deal with any underlying difficulty
Natural remedies for depression
- Essential fatty acids or EFAs are very important in the creation of healthy nerve tissues and cells in your body. These can be obtained from foods such as walnuts, olive oil, mackerel, salmon, and other oily fishes. Along with the symptoms of depression, omega-3 EFAs aid in reviving the mood and regulating brain chemicals
- St. John’s Wort is a traditional home remedy for depression that is as effective as antidepressant medications. It is usually taken in the form of tablets. It is recommended to consult a doctor before taking them as if you have already been taking other antidepressant drugs or contraceptive pills, it could be dangerous for your health
Dealing with seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
It is usually experienced during winter and autumn season when the days get shorter and nights get longer. When sunlight is scarce in these seasons, SAD sufferers feel exhausted, tired, low, and sad. They tend to sleep longer and have increased craving for sugary or starchy foods than they usually do in other seasons.
To overcome this depression type you can:
- Personalize your home environment in such a way that you are exposed to enough natural light. Allow sunlight inside your house by discarding obstacles (trees, bushes, temporary/unimportant constructions, etc.)
- If you’re working, opt for a window work station or unfold/open the window blinds so that you have access to sunlight
- Light box therapy is very helpful for people who don’t get natural sunlight. Similar devices emit very bright light or stimulate a natural dawn in the morning
- Possibly, go for a short winter break at a sunny location