www.womanthismonth.com 43 February 2015 showcase HOPE FOR DEPRESSION Depression affects 350million people worldwide and is twice as common in women as men. On the biological level, a stronger genetic predisposition and hormone fluctuations, especially at times of childbirth and menopause, make women more likely to become depressed. Psychologically, they prioritise relationships more, and relationship difficulties are one of the primary precipitating factors for depression. Women also tend to over-think and ruminate over difficult issues more than men. On the social level, women deal with more stressors than men, since not only are they responsible for managing their homes and children and caring for older relatives, they are also subject to the demands of the workplace. The word 'depression' is commonly misused. Not simply a bad mood, depression is a disorder that can only be professionally diagnosed. It affects all aspects of life, making it difficult to function on a personal, social and occupational level. It consists of overwhelming fatigue, low mood and tearfulness or irritability that are associated with loss of interest and enjoyment in activities usually found pleasurable. It impacts biological functioning including appetite and sleep, which are either significantly decreased or increased, and sexual function. In its most severe forms it manifests in death wishes and suicidal ideas. Depression is not a weakness or a personality flaw. It is a disease that, when recognised and treated, can fully remit with complete recovery. Its treatment includes antidepressants and psychosocial support such as cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy and problem solving. For more details and inquiries, please contact the psychiatry department at Royal Bahrain Hospital on 17 246-800. Not just a bad day, depression is a medical condition which can be overcome with treatment says Dr Gardenia Al Saffar, Consultant Psychiatrist at Royal Bahrain Hospital. Department of psychiatry
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