Menopause and Depression- One and the same
Both Menopause and Depression are caused by hormones and chemicals in your body. If you are an individual that has depression, you need to be aware of the symptoms of the onset of menopause as one of the symptoms of menopause is depression. If you are already diagnosed with clinical depression then the onset of menopause can and often does make depression more severe. Speak to your doctor or therapist if you notice problems.
Strange Bedfellows: Menopause And Depression
They are a bit like uninvited guests that you can’t seem to get rid of – menopause and depression. Although you can have depression at any time of your life, it can be aggravated by menopause. Some women find that menopause and depression come hand in hand, one right after the other. All women go through menopause differently. Some never become depressed while some who already have depression find that menopause increases it. All of this is normal.
What Kind Of Depression Do You Have?
If you feel overwhelmed, hopeless, extremely tired and have lost interest in everything, you may have clinical depression. See a doctor as soon as you can. Although there is still a social stigma at having depression, as it is considered a mental illness, there is nothing to be ashamed about. Depression often has physical causes that can be treated with medication and/or therapy. Your doctor can help you discover if your depression and menopause are linked together.
Menopause and depression are cause by hormones, usually a lack of them. Hormone and/or anti-depressants can help give your body what it needs. You may also wish to pursue therapy to help you through periods of worthlessness and panic. There are many support groups, books and websites that can offer hints and humor about what you’re going through. You’re not alone. You only have to ask for help to get it.
Other Things You Can Do
If you can’t take antidepressants, or if your doctor says you shouldn’t, you could try a claming herb called St. John’s Wort. It doesn’t work overnight. Just like with anti-depressants, St. John’s Wort takes weeks to saturate your system. But it cannot be taken with anti-depressants. They’ll knock each other out.
A regular exercise program can also help menopause and depression symptoms. Gentle exercises like walking, or yoga can help your body relax and adjust to this new phase of life. Some women find that house cleaning or doing the laundry helps not only burn calories, but give them a sense of accomplishment and worth.
Menopause and depression symptoms will try to turn you into a hermit. But being by yourself can intensify these very same symptoms that want you to hide under the bed in the first place. Make yourself and praise yourself for keeping in contact with people or animals at least once a day. This not only gives you a break from dwelling on your problems, but you may be able to help or laugh with others, which will bolster your self-confidence and help ease your menopause and depression symptoms.