The View that Depression is Just a Women's Thing - Essay Example

? Discussion on “Depression is Just a Women’s Thing” Introduction Chronic diseases are those diseases which last for longer duration and generally have slow progressions. Chronic diseases include heart disease, strokes, cancer, depression, etc. (Nonacs 2006). The major focus of this paper is to understand the disease of depression. Along with this, the paper will also elucidate a detailed discussion on why depression is just a women’s thing. In order to gain detailed discussion it is very imperative to understand what depression is actually is (Nonacs 2006). Along with this, the paper will start with discussing with depression, different forms of depression, basic signs and symptoms of depression, depression in women highlighting varied aspects of depression which will include nutrition and depression, sociology and depression, psychology and depression, biology and depression. This is incorporated in order to understand the interdisciplinary nature of depression and differences in varied approaches to understand it. Further, there will be discussion on Difference in depression among men and women, effects depression on biological processes, identity and social interaction, and evaluating the management of depression in varied concerns. Overall the paper aims at getting a detailed understanding of the varied aspects related to depression and justify why depression is just a women’s thing. Depression Every individual has some situations which make him feel blue or sad. These feelings are generally fleeting and pass within few days. When a woman faces some type of depressive disorder it starts to interfere with daily life and normal functioning. This situation is painful for the women and those people who are connected with her and care for her (Bennett 2011). Depression is a common problem but the extent of its seriousness requires getting a proper treatment in order to get over it. Depression as a disease affects both men and women but trends show that women are being more affected by it in comparison men. Efforts are undertaken in order to explain the differences to explore certain factors which are unique to women and responsible for this likelihood. Many women who are suffering from depressible illness never seek the right treatment required for it (Williams 2011). There are high chances that women who are suffering from severe depression can also get better with the aid of proper treatment. Depression cannot be described as “one size fits all” especially in the cases of genders. Not only that women are more suffering from depression than men but the causes that have been tracked in female depression and even the symptoms are quite different from those of men (Dunlap 1997). There are many factors which contribute to unique factors for raising depression in women. The statistics indicate that about 1 out of 5 women are likely to develop depression at some point or some phase of life. Women have nearly double that chance of having depression. Though there is no specific age of this disorder but it is most common in women who are between the age group of 40-59 (Dunlap 1997). Different Forms of Depression There are several types of depressive disorders and varied forms of depression that occur in both men and women. The most common types of depression related disorder are major depressive disorder and dysthymic order. Along with this minor depression is also commonly witnessed (Stoppard 2000). Major depressive disorder is also known as major depression and is mainly characterised by a combination of symptoms that cause interference with the ability of people to study, eat, work, sleep and enjoy pleasurable activities. Major depression disables and prevents a person from functioning normally. There are major chances of major depression is likely to occur once in the lifetime of individual but it might reoccur in the life of the person (Stoppard 2000). Dysthymic disorder, which is also known as dysthymia has the main characteristics of depressive symptoms that are long term in nature and lasts for 2 years of even longer than that, but it is less severe in nature in comparison to major depression. This type of disorder may not be disabled a person but it prevents individuals from functioning normally or to feel well. People who have dysthymia may also have to face one or more episodes related to major depression during their ill period (Dravecky and Neal 1998). Minor depression is another major form of depression which is face by individual. Symptoms of this disorder are quite related to major depression or dysthymic disorder. But they are less severe in nature and usually stay for a shorter time period. Along with this, it is significant to highlight that some forms of depression have slightly different characteristics that above discussed (Clark 2008). These types of depression include psychotic depression and seasonal affective depression. Psychotic depression occurs when sever depressive illness is also accompanied with some form of psychosis like seeing, hearing and smelling such things which do not exists in reality. Along with this such people also have strong false beliefs. Seasonal affective disorder is generally characterised by depressive illness at the time of winters when there is lesser exposure to sunshine. This might be treated with the help of effective light therapy along with anti-depressant medications (Clark 2008). Basic Signs and Symptoms of Depression Individuals who suffer from depressive illness might not have to face similar signs and symptoms. Along with severity and frequency of symptoms of different types of depression and how long they last will depends upon individual and their particular illness (Nicolson 1998). Some of the most common signs and symptoms of depression include: 1. Persistent feeling of sadness, anxiousness and emptiness. 2. Constantly getting feelings of hopelessness or pessimism. 3. Irritation, restlessness and anxiety (Nicolson 1998). 4. Feeling of guilt within an individual along with feeling worthless and helpless. 5. Loss of interest in all activities which once were considered quite pleasurable. 6. Fatigue, tiredness and decreased energy (Honos-Webb 2006). 7. Individual faces difficulty in concentrating; remembering details and also is unable to make any decisions. 8. Insomnia, waking up till late nights or feeling excessively sleepy. 9. Indulging oneself in overeating or facing lost of appetite. 10. Constant felling and thoughts to commit suicide (Nolen-Hoeksema 1990). 11. Facing constant pains and aches which mainly include headaches, cramps and digestive problems that are not even cured with regular treatments. 12. Family history of constant mood disorders. 13. Losing parents before the age of 10 years. 14. Physical or sexual abuse faced in childhood years (Radden 2009). 15. Losing social support system. Above highlighted are few of the most common and major symptoms and signs which are witnessed in individuals suffering from any types of depressive disorder. Depression in Women Depression is a serious problem which makes an impact on every area of life of an individual. It affects social life, relationships, career, sense of self-worth, etc. and it is very common amongst women. If an individual is feeling sad, guilty, tired there are higher chances that they might be suffering from depression. It is important to highlight that this situation is curable with the help of medications and treatment (DePaulo and Horvitz 2002). Scientists are examining varied potential causes that contribute in increased chances of depression amongst women. The major factors that have been highlighted responsible for likelihood of depression in women include nutrition, genetic, biological, hormonal, environment, psychological and social factors. It has been investigated that these factors together intersect and contribute towards development of situations and feelings of depression. Nutrition and Depression In the contemporary era, depression is one of the biggest problems, which is faced by society. The proverb “food is our medicine and medicine is our food” very clearly indicates that food is the best medicine which can prove to be helpful when fighting against depression. The gut and brain of an individual is in constant communication with each other with the use of vague nerves. It has also been observed that traumatic brain injury can lead to gastrointestinal distress. The link that has been developed between brain and gastrointestinal tract is required to understand that mechanism involved between depression and nutrition (Cassano and Fava 2002). Additionally, it is vital to clarify the link between gut and brain it is imperative to highlight that depression and obesity are also closely linked to each other. In a meta-analysis research it was highlighted that obesity increases chances of depression and depression plays an important role in predicting obesity. It is clear that both genetic and environmental factors are responsible for both obesity and depression. The strong relation that exists between the two factors cannot be ignored. Further, it is required to highlight that people easily understand the link between nutritional deficiency and physical illness but are not aware of connection between nutrition and depression (Katon and Ciechanowski 2002). Depression is considered to be biochemical-based or emotionally-rooted in nature. On the other hand, it is very important to understand the key role of nutrition on severity as well as duration of depression. Many noticeable eating patterns that occur before depression are some which are also witnessed during depression. These mainly include poor appetite, skipping meals, dominant desire for sweet, etc. As explained by LaFrance (2009) depression is a debilitating but widespread condition which involves bad mood, low self esteem, loss of interests, etc. Nutrition has a potential affect on a person’s likelihood to suffer from depression, its symptoms and severity. Some aspects of nutrition which are mainly linked to depression include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, folate, alcohol, and caffeine (LaFrance 2009). The overall discussion has indicating that food and nutrition has a key role in maintaining mental health. Foods that need to be eliminated from the diets are sugar, sugary foods and caffeine. It is important that an individual gets into habit of eating three times a day with well balanced diet. Sociology and Depression Human beings are social animals and require building social connection with an intention for basic survival. Isolation and lack of social support for an individual is responsible for generating feels of depression. Increasingly modern life has created such situation which makes it easy for depression to flourish. Poverty and depression also share strong correlation along with affected by stressful social events (Rohan, Lindsey, Roecklein and Lacy 2004). Some research works have pioneered it that after prolonged failure to control stressful circumstances an individual develops feeling of helplessness and gives up which also leads to feeling of depression. Social circumstances on which individuals have little or no control make a depressive impact on the individuals. Another social theory related to depression is social phenomenons which result from social comparison. On the basis of results of research this theory indicates that depression affects those who see themselves as inferior to other people in their social groups. Social norms and values make a vital effect on identities and beliefs of individuals. If the norms and values are attainable by majority then the level of negative social comparison will be lowered. The less attainable the norms, the higher section of people will feel and make themselves vulnerable to depression (Rohan, Lindsey, Roecklein and Lacy 2004). All social factors act as a fuel for depression habit spiral. Managing social factors and conditions are unchangeable but many can be moderated. Thus, it is clear that social factors also have a role to play in driving females towards depression. The dominance and societal pressure which is exerted on females is another major factor which is responsible for their likelihood to suffer from depression. Psychology and Depression Psychological factors also have an important role to play making depression such a women’s thing. Stressful life events which includes trauma, loss of any loved persons, difficult relationships, additional work and home responsibility etc, are the major factors which contribute for depression related situations. The psychological factors that cause depression are focussing on and rehearsing negative feelings, stress and body image issues (Ossian 2012). In the context of, focusing on and rehearsing negative feelings women are likely to ruminate when they are facing depression. This mainly includes crying to relieve emotional tension, trying to figure out reasons for depression and talking with friends about depression. Rumination has been attributed to maintain depression and also even worsen the situation further. In relation to males they tend to distract themselves from such factors which cause depression. There are higher chances that with distraction there are higher chances of reducing depression which is not possible with rumination (Moore and Garland 2004). Studies have shown that women are more likely to develop depression under the situations of stress. Female psychological response to stress is different in different situation. Women tend to produce more stress hormones than men do which makes them more likely to suffering from depression. Female sex hormone progesterone is also responsible for preventing the stress hormone system from turning off which is not the case with males. Along with this, gender differences which start in the period of adolescence also contributes in creating instances of depression and related disorders. The emergence of sex differences that have been observed at the time of puberty is likely to play a significant role. Some research works have indicated body image dissatisfaction, which increases in girls at the time of puberty is another reasons why women are more likely to face depression in comparison to their counterparts (Moore and Garland 2004). Biology and Depression Biological or genetical characteristics have an imperative relation with depression. If a women has family history of depression and related disorders there are higher chances that she is likely to develop the risk of suffering from similar illness. Though there is high probability of such incidents but there is no hard and fast rule that it will always be so certain. Depression might occur in women who do not have such family histories related to depression. Along with this, it is also possible that women who have history of depression related disorder in their family might not suffer with the same (Austin 2006). The major biological causes for depression mainly relates to premenstrual problems, pregnancy, infertility, postpartum depression and perimenopuase disorders. Premenstrual problems are related to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. The main symptoms include bloating, irritability, fatigue, and emotional reactivity. In mostly cases these depressive problems are mild in nature. But in some cases symptoms of these disorders are so severe that they might disrupt the lives of women suffering from it. Pregnancy and infertility and the hormonal changes that occur at such times also contribute in creating chances for depression (Marcus, Flynn, Blow and Barry 2005). Other issues that are related with pregnancy including miscarriage, unwanted pregnancy and infertility also are the major factors that play role in depression. These instances are also common factors which are responsible for causing depression in women. Postpartum depression relates to the depression related to disorders which are experienced by new mothers which are also known as baby blues. This is a normal reaction of hormonal change which subsides within a few weeks. In some cases these deprive disorders last and convert into major depression related problems. This type of depression is mainly believed to be influenced because of hormonal fluctuations (Cyranowski, Frank, Young and Shear 2000). Perimenopause is the stage when women have to face change in their reproductive hormones which might also lead to situation of depression. Women who have suffered from depression in past, have higher chance of facing it during menopause. These are some of changes which occur in biological concern and might lead to situations of depression. Biological factors play an important role and in many contexts these have been witnessed to be a common factor of causing depression amongst women. Biological changes are higher in females in comparison to males which is the reason why women are more likely to face to depression. Difference in Depression among Men and Women Though it has been observed that signs and symptoms of depression for both males and females are same yet it is vital to elucidate that women tend to experience certain symptoms more often in comparison to males (Lewis 2009). An example in this case may be in relation to seasonal affective disorder which is more common amongst women in comparison to males. Along with this atypical depression is also more common in females. In this specific type of depression, symptoms like sleeping less, eating less and losing weight are not witnessed rather excessive sleeping, overeating and gaining weight are more common. Feeling of guilt is more associated with women in comparison to males (Pariante, Nesse, Nutt and Wolpert 2009). Women have higher chances of thyroid problems and hypothyroidism causes depression and this medical problem should be ruled out by doctors in the females who tend to suffer from depression. Women suffering from depression tend to Men suffering from depression tend to Blame themselves. Blame others not themselves They tend to feel sad, apathetic and worthless (Hanganu-Bresch 2008). They began to feel angry, irritated and inflate their ego. They began to feel anxious and scared They get feelings of suspicion and guarded. Their behavioural patterns try to avoid conflicts at all costs. They create conflicting situations (Littauer 2006). They tend to fell nervous and slowed down. Feel agitated and restless. They have trouble setting boundaries (Corby 2006). Need to feel control in all conditions. They find to easy to talk about situations of self-doubt and despair (Iliff 2008). They find it easy to admit about despair and self-doubt. Women tend to make use of foods, friends and love for self medication. For the purpose of self medication alcohol, TV, sports and sex for self medication (Simonds 2006). Interdisciplinary Nature of Depression and Differences in Approaches The above discussion has been very helpful in pointing out towards the interdisciplinary nature of depression. The term depression and it’s functioning, is not restricted towards one segment. The interdisciplinary overlap indicates the importance of depression and its role in life of individuals. The term depression is not committed and limited to one factor rather there are many elements which are to be taken care of in its context. Depression inculcates varied disciplines which are sociology, psychology and biology. It is based on biological factors relates with psychological aspects and is also affected by social aspects (Clark 2010). There are varied approaches which are undertaken in relation to chronic diseases and so is the case with depression. The reasons for use of varied approaches are attributed to its interdisciplinary nature. The biological reasons for depression suggest different approaches and mechanism for handling and curing the disease and similar patterns are observed with psychological viewpoint and sociological viewpoint. The disease in order to properly approach needs to be consider all the disciplines that are combining for making it interdisciplinary concept (Vernick 2009). The interdisciplinary nature indicates towards use of approach which includes a team of physicians, caregivers and other health care professionals, who put together their actions in order to develop plan, implement and evaluate the outcomes of health care. The justification for the interdisciplinary nature of depression is quite clear from the points that have been elucidated in the above paper. Depression has been ignored but the complex nature of chronic disease indicates towards the significance that is demanded by it (Vernick 2009). Thus, it is clear the depression is an interdisciplinary term and this is the reason for use of specific approaches. Effects of Depression on Biological Processes, Identity and Social Interaction Depression makes impact on varied aspects of an individual mainly being biological processes, identity and social interactions. Biological processes of an individual are affected because people are not able to explain and adapt to their hormonal changes which might cause a problem in biological processes. Along with this, people also tend to loss interest in physical activities which also affects their biological processes. Biological processes also tend to further worsen their severity of depression since individual become highly irritated and angry because of such biological changes (Beck and Alford 2009). Along with this, depression also makes an impact on the identities of people. They tend to forget their actual self, roles and responsibilities, which makes an impact on their actual identities. In addition, people under some of types of depressions also try to consider themselves as someone else which also causes major loss to their actual self. Socially also depression patients have very minimal level of social interactions. They tend to loss interests in social interaction and are not comfortable in places where there is lot of crowd or are not convenient in communicating with a group of people. Socially these people are not at all active and tend to separate themselves from their societies and belongings (Robbins 2008; Wagemaker 1997). Overall, it can be stated that depression makes a negative impact on biological processes, identity and social interactions. These people tend to confine themselves to limited space and distract from rest of the world. Thus, it is clear that in order to retain the actual self of individuals it is imperative that proper medication should be undertaken in order to maintain their biological processes, identity and maintain stringer social interactions. Evaluating the Management of Depression Depression is a common disease and it requires that right medication is provided to the individual at the right time in order to protect them for further severity of the disease. Depression is a clinical disease and is mast commonly witnessed in developed countries where about 20% of the population is affected by depression at some stage of their lives. Patients are usually assessed and managed in form of outpatients and only admitted to an inpatient mental health unit. The three most common types of treatment that are provided to patients suffering from depression are psychotherapy, psychiatric medication, and electroconvulsive therapy (Grissen 1993). Psychotherapy is generally given to those patients who are below the age of 18 years. Under this treatment, medication is provided only in conjunction with the former and not as a first line agent. Psychiatric medication is the primary medication which is given to patients that are suffering from depression. Electroconvulsive therapy is given to those patients that are suffering from major depression and need high level of medications (Hart and Weber 2007). The actions and steps that are taken for measurement of depression can be evaluated to be quite strong in nature. Evaluation indicates that right measurement patterns are use for resolving the problems of depression. Management of depression in the right manner will help in overcoming of such situation in the best possible manner. Conclusion From the overall discussion, it can be concluded that there are many factors, which have helped in concluding that women are more likely to be a victim of depression and related orders. There are many biological, psychological, nutritional, sociological factors which have indicated that women are more likely to suffer from this disease in comparison to males. Along with this, the paper has been very helpful in exploring the interdisciplinary nature of depression as a disease. Further there is a discussion on impact of depression on biological process, identity and social interactions of individuals and the methods undertaken for evaluation of depression are also evaluated. Overall the paper has been very helpful in giving detailed information about the aspects related depression and helps in concluding that depression is likely to be more of a women’s thing. The information and data that has been explored in the paper has been very helpful in providing detailed information about depression and its related aspects. References Austin, M. 2006. To treat or not to treat: maternal depression, SSRI use in pregnancy and adverse neonatal effects. Psychological Medicine. 25, pp. 1-8. Beck, A.T. and Alford, B.A. 2009. Depression: Causes and Treatment. Pennsylvania: University of Pennsylvania Press. Bennett, S.S. 2011. Postpartum Depression for Dummies. US: John Wiley & Sons. Cassano, P. and Fava, M. 2002. Depression and public health, an overview. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 53(4), pp. 849-857. Clark, H.A. 2008. Depression and Narrative: Telling the Dark. NY: SUNY Press. Clark, J. 2010. Living Beyond Postpartum Depression: Help and Hope for the Hurting Mom and Those Around Her. London: NavPress. Corby, B. 2006. Applying Research in Social Work Practice. US: McGraw-Hill International. Cyranowski, J., Frank, E., Young, E. and Shear, K. 2000. Adolescent onset of the gender difference in lifetime rates of major depression. Archives of General Psychiatry. 57(1), pp. 21-27. DePaulo, R. and Horvitz, L.A. 2002. Understanding Depression: What We Know and What You Can Do About It. US: John Wiley & Sons. Dravecky, J. and Neal, C.W. 1998. A Joy I'd Never Known: One Woman's Triumph Over Panic Attacks and Depression. CA: Zondervan. Dunlap, S.J. 1997. Counseling Depressed Women. London: Westminster John Knox Press. Grissen, L.V. 1993. A Path Through the Sea: One Woman's Journey from Depression to Wholeness. Mason: Eerdmans Publishing. Hanganu-Bresch, C. 2008. Faces of Depression: A Study of Antidepressant Advertisements in the American and British Journals of Psychiatry, 1960—2004. CA: ProQuest. Hart, A.D. and Weber, C.H. 2007. A Woman's Guide to Overcoming Depression. US: Baker Books. Honos-Webb, L. 2006. Listening to Depression: How Understanding Your Pain Can Heal Your Life. CA: New Harbinger Publications. Iliff, B. 2008. A Woman's Guide to Recovery. London: Hazelden Publishing. Katon, W. and Ciechanowski, P. 2002. Impact of major depression on chronic medical illness. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 53(4), pp. 859-863. LaFrance, M.N. 2009. Women and Depression: Recovery and Resistance. US: Taylor & Francis. Lewis, R. 2009. The Other Great Depression: How I'm Overcoming on a Daily Basis at Least a Million Addictions and Dysfunctions and Finding a Spiritual (Sometimes) Life. US: PublicAffairs. Littauer, F. 2006. Silver Linings: Breaking Through the Clouds of Depression. London: New Hope Publishers. Marcus, S.M., Flynn, H.A., Blow, F. and Barry, K. 2005. A screening study of antidepressant treatments and mood symptoms in pregnancy. Archives of Women's Mental Health. 8(1): 25-27. Moore, R.G. and Garland, A. 2004. Cognitive Therapy for Chronic and Persistent Depression. US: John Wiley & Sons. Nicolson, P. 1998. Post-Natal Depression: Psychology, Science and the Transition to Motherhood. US: Routledge. Nolen-Hoeksema, S. 1990. Sex Differences in Depression. US: Stanford University Press. Nonacs, R. 2006. A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman's Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression in Her Childbearing Years. Mason: Simon and Schuster. Ossian, L.L. 2012. The Depression Dilemmas of Rural Iowa, 1929-1933. Oxon: University of Missouri Press. Pariante, C., Nesse, R.M., Nutt, D. and Wolpert, L. 2009. Understanding depression: A translational approach. US: Oxford University Press. Radden, J. 2009. Moody Minds Distempered: Essays on Melancholy and Depression: Essays on Melancholy and Depression. US: Oxford University Press. Robbins, P.R. 2008. Understanding Depression. NY: McFarland. Rohan, K.J., Lindsey, K.T., Roecklein, K.A., Lacy, T.J. 2004. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy and their combination in treating seasonal affective disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders. 80, pp. 273-283. Simonds, S. 2006. Depression and Women: An Integrative Treatment Approach. US: Springer. Stoppard, J.M. 2000. Understanding Depression: Feminist Social Constructionist Approaches. US: Routledge. Vernick, L. 2009. Defeating Depression: Real Hope for Life-Changing Wholeness. CA: Harvest House Publishers. Wagemaker, H. 1997. The Surprising Truth about Depression. Oxon: Ponte Vedra Publishing. Williams, G.A. 2011. My Fight against a Life of Depression. CA: Chipmunka publishing ltd. Read More