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Depression In Menopause

Depression can be a serious problem. It can stick with us for a long time to come and even if it doesn’t, how we treat people while we are depressed can send our loved ones packing. It can affect our physical health and well being and it’s important to deal with it if it happens.

Depression and sadness are a common symptom of menopause and perimenopause.  Nearly every woman will experience depression at some point in her life.  It’s common for healthcare professionals to assume there is a different underlying cause for depression and not that it may be connected to menopause.  The most common treatment for depression are anti-depressants.  SSRI’s are used a lot to treat depression in women because of the assumption that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance.  SSRI’s are supposed to re-balance the chemicals in the brain, thus affecting the user positively.

Sadness and depression can be overcome without the use of drugs if you understand what it is you’re feeling and how to treat it properly.  People who suffer from high stress for any length of time will often feel fatigued. 

Stress, anxiety, sadness and mood swings is a combination for disaster for anyone, let alone someone who is going through menopause. 

Symptoms of depression include:

 - Sadness
 - Loss of energy
 - Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
 - Loss of enjoyment from things that were once pleasurable
 - Difficulty concentrating
 - Uncontrollable crying
 - Difficulty making decisions
 - Irritability
 - Increased need for sleep
 - Insomnia or excessive sleep
 - A change in appetite causing weight loss or weight gain
 - Thoughts of death or suicide
 - Attempting suicide
 - Unexplained aches and pains
 - Headache
 - Stomachache 
 - Digestive problems
 - Problems with sexual function

If you have suicidal thoughts or feelings, your feelings of negativity persist for any length of time, you seek medical attention immediately.  Everyone feels depressed from time to time, but it’s not normal or safe if it lasts longer. 

Take care of yourself and find some alone time if you need it.  Make sure you take it slow and don’t overload yourself.  Let people know that you are feeling down in the dumps so that your friends and family may be of some help to you when you need them.  Take a class or strive to accomplish some of your goals.  One of the biggest ways to feel better about yourself is to accomplish things or learn something new. 

Join a support group or make new friends.  Do whatever it is you need to do to stay happy, healthy and most of all alive.  Life is short and suicide is irreversible and only hurts the loved ones we leave behind. 

Don’t hide how you’re feeling and don’t be embarrassed or think less of yourself because you’re experiencing these feelings.  It’s completely normal and it’s something that you can deal with.  Remind yourself that it is the chemicals and the hormones that are being shaken up in your body. 

Tags: anxiety, depression, Menopause, sadness

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