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5 Mental Health Concerns Unique to Women

Issues concerning mental health can hamper our everyday lives. Not just the person going through the different phases of mental health issues, but the people around are also affected. As they become concerned about their loved ones, they too need to understand these concerns in order to step out of this phase together with the person concerned. It is thus, important to make ourselves more aware of them. Here are 5 mental health concerns that are unique to women:  

Women Mental Health

1. Pre-menstrual Syndrome Depression

The pre-menstrual syndrome includes physical and emotional symptoms that start a week or so before the menstruation cycle. However, some women can develop more severe symptoms that coexist with PMS, such as depression. Watch over your emotions experienced throughout the menstrual cycle as it can help confirm if your depression linked to your cycle or not.

2. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

PMDD strikes during the luteal phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle, the time after ovulation and before menstruation. Women with PMDD experience different mood-disturbing effects of ovarian steroids. Many people confuse PMDD with PMS since both strikes before menstruation. But PMS, which most reproductive-age women experience, generally results in uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, appetite change, and mild irritability. PMDD on the other hand has symptoms severe enough to negatively impact a woman’s ability to function.

3. Perinatal Depression

Prenatal depression or perinatal depression is depression experienced by women during pregnancy. Prenatal depression manifests differently from one pregnancy to another. According to the World Health Organization, about 10% of pregnant women worldwide experience depression.

4. Postpartum Depression

Depression is a common problem after pregnancy as a women’s body and mind go through many changes. PDD is linked to hormonal, social, and psychological changes that happen after having a baby. One in 9 new mothers has postpartum depression. Symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder may also occur at the same time. The obsessions are generally associated with the baby’s health or unfounded fears of harming the baby. 

5. Perimenopause Depression

Perimenopause is the transition that females go through prior to menopause. It causes abnormal menstrual periods, erratic fluctuations in hormone levels, insomnia and hot flashes in many women. The mood swings experienced during the transition to menopause can lead to depression. Not only can the effects of perimenopause cause depression, but in some cases, depression itself may lead to early-onset perimenopause.

Perhaps the most important aspect to understand about mental health is that the treatment is out there and that it is viable to feel better. It’s important to ask for help and let others know how they can help you. It’s advisable talking with your doctor about any of the depression symptoms you experience. The more these mental health issues are talked about and understood, the more women will seek the help they need. 

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Written by Guest

A section of thoughtful stories curated by wonderful women and handpicked by team WSL.

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