Women and Depression: The Unfair Curse
Congratulations! As a woman, you have some special distinctions. Besides your curves, you’re body can produce new life, you’re likely to live longer, and just think of all the clothes and cosmetics you can wear. So much to smile about.
Until it’s not.
The uterus that’s suppose to sustain new life can betray you, leaving you barren and sad. It can also cause pain, abnormal bleeding, and a number of uncomfortable problems. That’s why you had to have a hysterectomy. All the problems it caused had made you sick, shaken your confidence, and planted seeds of depression.
Then there’s your hormones. During “that time of the month,” your breasts and tummy can swell until you can’t wear any of the favorite clothes hanging in your closet. You’re reduced to wearing the ones with a bit of extra room that hide the extra weight you are carrying. And when menopause arrives, it’s worse. You may have permanent tummy girth along with droopy breasts, both of which you’ll need to try to disguise under your clothes. You can also develop wrinkles on your face, making it a challenge to put on your make-up.
Live longer? Who wants to do that if you’re unhappy with your new body and are uncomfortable with hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and other menopause symptoms?
Instead of feeling like you’ve won a prize because you are a women, you feel cursed and depressed. And wouldn’t you know it, more women than men fight depression. Understandable with all that your poor body may go through because you’re a woman. Where can you return this prize?
Believe it or not, you can win over depression. You can lift the curse of depression from your head using a variety of options:
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to get your hormone levels back on track.
- Talking to a therapist to help you work through your emotions about fertility.
- Considering antidepressants to help with chemical imbalances.
- Making some lifestyle changes to boost your health and mood.
- Exercising to help boost the production of feel good chemicals in the brain.
- Interacting with friends and family to lift your spirits.
- Finding ways to nurture the inner you.
- Keeping a gratitude journal to help you focus on your blessings.
It won’t happen overnight and you’ll have to fight for it, but you can bring joy back to your life and move forward with a smile.
This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support. Reprinted with permission: Women and Depression: The Unfair Curse
