Women have a lot on their plate and there is a lot that they need to do in little time. Not all women experience same problems but mental health is a common point where it all comes together. Not just depression or anxiety, there are lot of factors that needs to be tackled to achieve “healthy naari, happy nari” tag. In order to celebrate and raise awareness about women’s health, we will have a intense and detailed discussion about various factors affecting mental health of women in different stages. We will also know from our expert Dr. Megha Jain, Psychologist from Apollo Spectra Hospital, Hyderabad how to tackle and prevent women from getting affected.
Mental Health and Pregnancy
One of the major mental health issues that women face is when they are going through pregnancy or having trouble in getting pregnant. Psychologist explains that there might be some complications that are normal to arise in few cases because of which it becomes difficult to become pregnant. She told about presence of cysts on the lining of the uterus because of which ovaries do not get mixed with. The other issue women usually face it is because of their hormonal changes, for example oestrogen levels might be low because of which the mating process in not able to get complete.
If this is not the case, then there might be inherited problem or infections that can get treated by use of medications and therapies. Still if you are facing mental health issues because of pregnancy, then try to understand that your body is not responding well but there is no need to blame yourself for everything. It is not your fault that you aren’t able to bear body, everyone has different body circumstances and you should respect that.
During Pregnancy
You need to understand that you are not superwomen, and therefore not behave in similar way too. Here are some points given by expert that you must consider to keep your mental health in place-
- It should be your choice to work during the pregnancy period
- Work only if you are getting happiness out of working and not tension
- Your mental health influences your child’s health as well
- Your emotional health can impact your baby and its health
- Do not engage in activities or programs that might put stress or pressure on you
- Workout for yourself, keep your physical health fine
Mental Health Tips for Younger Women
Depression and anxiety are used so commonly amongst younger generation that it has lost its relevance. Anxiety and depression are two important states of mind that might put you at risk of serious disorder if not given attention. You must consult a psychologist if the symptoms remain for more than 3 days.
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One of the major issues with younger women not taking professional help is due to negative thought process. They think that going to a psychologist means they are mad or losing their piece of mind. But this is not the case; psychologist is available to look after these issues that may lead you to mental health disorders.
Older people in the family can be of major help because they have a lot of experience and they can give solutions to the problems quite effectively. However you must understand that if you are living in a nuclear family, then it is more relevant to speak to a psychologist to gain the right advice and prevent yourself from getting into serious mental health issues.
Nobody is spared by stress, it affects everyone. People going through stress usually keep it to themselves that makes it worse. Being silent about it will make the symptoms grow, affect youg cognitive thinking and cause more confusion. It is best to let it out
Teenage Depression
Usually teenagers do not know what’s happening around them because of some mental health issues. Teenagers think about their pears, problems and situations all at once to become more confused about the problem. Then they isolate themselves because they think nobody can understand or give them solution. Believe in limitations of your body and do not try to sort everything at once. Teenage depression is just mild depressive period that can be tackled easily.
Symptoms of Depression in Women
There are different stages of depression according to which the symptoms occur. Even though there is no major changes in symptoms for boys or girls, here is a list of evident symptoms in women you should know about-
- They do not prefer taking time out for themselves
- Having terrible mood swings
- Not able to focus
- Memory loss
- Forgetfulness
- Not speaking to other properly
- Trying to be alone all the time
- Not talking to other about anything
- Unable to see the positive aspect of the story
- Being confused in majority of situations
- Having trust issues
If this lasts for more than 3 months, then this means that you are having serious symptoms of depression in women. It could go worse if the symptoms last for 6 months or more. It is called depressive disorder at that stage.
What is difference between Stress, anxiety and depression?
According to the expert, they are interlinked conditions but the severity or risk can increase. In stress the person becomes worried about a particular situation, event or problem that may last for a few hours or days depending on the timeline of the event. In anxiety there is a sudden disturbance that you were not expecting because of which you start getting nervous and getting nervous thoughts. Depression is a severe phase in which a person isolates himself and does not talk or discuss about the problem or issue she is going through. It might turn into a disorder if the symptoms continue for a few months.
Ways for parents to know the occurrence of mental health problems
It becomes difficult for parents to know when their children are going through mental health disorders. Usually approach of parents towards children in these kinds of situations is wrong, that leads the child to mental health disorder. Here are some ways for parents to know that their children are going through mental health problems-
- Do not force your child beyond their limits
- Talk to them as your friends
- Do not put them into something they do not have interest in
- Do not shout or scream at them
- Talk about importance of menstrual problems
- Do not accuse them of being useless or in some negative sense
- Mental health during menopause
Menopause is a period of time when the women is most unpredictable. There are lots of hormones issues going on, mood swings are on the peak and body changes are taking place. Because of these problems, it is the people living with them that they need to understand her situation and act accordingly. It is best for them to relax and do not take the women going though mental health issues during menopause to seriously.
Are there any tests to check Mental Health problems in women?
Yes, there are a few tests that are conducted by the psychologist in order to find out the stage, type and level of mental health problem you are suffering from. First blood tests, thyroid test, serotonin, dopamine and such hormones are tested to know if there is some discrepancy in those factors. After that psychologist have their own measuring tools to understand the levels and severity of mental health condition the women is going through. Accordingly treatments are recommended.
Binge eating disorder is women are also caused because of stimulating hormones that food helps to balance out. Usually sugar levels become low due to which you have the tendency to eat some sweets. Food helps to satisfy the women and bring them to normal stages and distract them from mental health triggers.
Can Exercise Relieve Symptoms of Mental Health?
Yes, exercise is one of the biggest advantages that women can have on their mental health. Exercise helps to bring down health issues and promote happy hormones in people. You must exercise regularly that can also prevent you from falling for most of the mental health issues. Other than that you can go to some loud places, between people and talk to them. Or go for running, walking to relax your mind. Just do not try to be alone.
Also Read- Women's Health: PCOS Can Impact Heart Health, Says Study
When should you go to a doctor?
A doctor is needed when there are following conditions or symptoms in people around you-
- As children you are not able to study, finding hard to concentrate for continuous days
- Having behavioural issues and stubbornness in teenagers
- Behaving abruptly or sad for a long period of time
- If you are having sleepless nights
- In old age- if you start having signs of depression, have nobody to talk to or having problem in understanding.
Impact of Self-harm and Domestic Violence on Mental Health
Women who have cases of domestic violence in their homes need to take a strong stand for themselves and react accordingly. They should have confidence on themselves and should take the other person seriously. Speak to a counsellor and relationship advisor for help.
In cases of self-harm it is important to understand the cause of the problem. People around them, family and friends need to understand the triggers and indications that the person is giving that may lead her to self-harm. It builds on slowly and supporting that women and helping her to tackle the problem can help.