Depression FAQ

Depression can make a woman feel almost paralyzed at times. She may loose her interest in activities she once thoroughly enjoyed, and feel as though she´s in a tunnel with no light at the end. Because depression can have such a large impact on a woman, especially as she is preparing for the menopausal transition and likely coping with other menopause symptoms, she likely has many questions about her depression. Read below for a list of frequently asked questions and their answers that deal with depression.

Depression	Q: What is depression? A: The general use of the term depression refers to a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy, feelings of sadness, and a despondent lack of activity. However, depression is also a clinical disorder that is more severe than bouts of sadness and requires certain symptoms to be diagnosed. Clinical depression is a serious mental illness characterized by more than two weeks of extremely low moods that affect how a person feels, the way she thinks, and her activities. Q: Is depression normal when going through menopause? A: Yes. Depression is a common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 30% of menopausal women. Women preparing to enter menopause are four times more likely to fall into depression than women who are not yet at that stage in life.
Depression Overview About Depression What is depression Types of depression Risk factors Depression Signs and Symptoms Physical Emotional Behavioral When to see a doctor Causes of Depression Hormonal causes Other causes of depression Depression Treatments

A: Not only are menopausal women more likely to suffer from depression, but women in general are 2 times more likely to experience depression than men. Several other factors can add to an individual´s likelihood of being depressed, such as brain chemistry, history of depression, and personality.

A: There are several types of depression, but most require a doctor´s diagnosis. Some are more likely to occur in women leading up to menopause than other types, such as major depression and adjustment disorder. Postpartum depression, for instance, is not associated with menopause, nor is psychotic depression. Below is a list of the different types of depression and descriptions of them.

A: The symptoms of depression can be separated into three categories: physical, emotional, and behavioral. In order for a person to be diagnosed with clinical depression at least five of the below symptoms must be present for not less than two weeks. However, at least one of those symptoms must be persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest or pleasure.

Physical symptoms: • Fatigue. • Decreased energy. • Overeating. • Appetite loss. • Insomnia. • Early-morning   wakefulness. • Excessive sleeping • Persistent aches or   pains. • Headaches, cramps   or digestive problems   that do not ease   even with treatment.

Emotional symptoms: • Persistent sad, anxious   or "empty" feelings. • Feelings of   hopelessness and/or   pessimism. • Feelings of guilt,   worthlessness and/or   helplessness. • Irritability. • Restlessness. • Thoughts of   suicide/suicide   attempts.

Behavioral symptoms: • Loss of interest in   activities or hobbies once   pleasurable, which   includes sex. • Difficulty concentrating. • Difficulty remembering   details. • Difficulty making   decisions. • Neglecting responsibilities • Failing to attend to   one´s physical   appearance.

A: Because suicide can be associated with severe depression, it´s important to look out for the warning signs. But also remember that just because someone fits some of the below characteristics doesn´t necessarily mean she is suicidal. Here is a list of some of the warning signs of suicide to look out for that could be an indication that an individual is considering taking her own life:

Warning signs:

• Change in eating and sleeping habits.
• Withdrawal from friends, and family and regular activities.
• Violent actions, rebellious behavior, and running away.
• Drug or alcohol abuse.
• Unusual neglect of personal appearance.
• Marked personality change.
• Persistent boredom, difficulty concentrating, or a decline in the quality of work.
• Frequent complaints about physical symptoms, often relating to emotions, such   as stomach aches, headaches, and fatigue.
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
• Not tolerating praise or rewards.

A: As women approach menopause, their hormonal levels begin to taper off. This decrease in hormones, especially estrogen production, has myriad effects on a woman´s body and mind, but is often the underlying cause of depression experienced during this period of time. Although more than just estrogen levels are limited just prior to menopause, estrogen is at the root of depression for women preparing to go through menopause.

There are multiple reasons why decreased levels of estrogen in a woman´s body can cause depression, but each reason has to do either with how estrogen affects the brain or how low levels of estrogen prompt other symptoms that can then lead to depression.

A: The best way to deal with menopause-related depression is to correct the hormonal imbalance that's causing it, preferably with the help of a self and gentle alternative treatment, like herbal supplements. In the meantime, several easy lifestyle changes can also help to relieve mild depression, like getting improved sleep, exercise, and diet, engaging in relaxing activities, reconnecting with old friends, and talking to a therapist or support group. The last resort is to use more serious medications such as antidepressants. Continue reading to learn about side effects of taking antidepressants.

A: Yes. Different medications produce different side effects, and people differ in the type and severity of side effect they experience. About 50 percent of people who take antidepressant medications experience some side effects, particularly during the first weeks of treatment. Some of the side effects associated with antidepressants include dry mouth, constipation, bladder problems, sexual problems, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, skin rash, and weight gain or loss, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, diarrhea, rash, agitation, among other side effects.

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