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Depression
- Is the leading cause of disability
- Involves a person's body, mind and thoughts -- people who are affected
cannot just "pull themselves together" and get better
- Affects nearly twice as many women as men
- Is only 2nd to hypertension as the most chronic condition encountered
in general medical practice
Resources to help you:
Facts:
- 1 in 4 women will experience an episode of severe depression in her
lifetime
- Left untreated, it is the #1 cause of suicide for both men and women --
30,000 per year in the U.S.
- About 70% of women have depressive symptoms during pregnancy, and 10-16%
of pregnant women have major depression
- Postpartum depression affects at least 1 in every 10 new mothers and can
last up to 18 months after delivery
- Treatment is available through medications, psychotherapy or a combination
of the two (which is often most effective)
Risk factors for depression:
- Prior history of depression
- History of postpartum depression
- History of childhood sexual abuse
- Family history of depression
- Recent stressful life events
- Unhappy or abusive relationships
- Lack of social support
- Substance or alcohol abuse
- Certain medications and medical conditions
- Hormonal changes
Symptoms of depression:
- Inappropriate crying spells
- Prolonged sad or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness. worthlessness or self-blame
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of pleasure in activities (including sex)
- Eating too much or too little
- Multiple chronic complaints that never get better (with or without
treatment)
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Overwhelming fatigue/low energy
- Restlessness or irritability
- Excessive weight gain or loss
- Thoughts of death of suicide
- Have difficulty sleeping (falling asleep, staying asleep, early morning
awakenings
What can I do?
- Seek help if you think you have depression
- Be aware of and recognize symptoms
- Eliminate drug or alcohol use
- Aerobic exercise 30-60 minutes, 5-7 days a week
- Discuss your concerns with your primary care provider
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