Symptoms of depression in women
All women are different, and signs of depression in women can also manifest themselves in different ways, affecting not only the emotional sphere, but also directly affecting the state of health. However, do not confuse just a bad mood and a psychological disorder. In the latter case, the nature of the manifestations is longer and more stable – more than two weeks of bad mood and loss of strength just do not happen. Psychologists recommend paying attention to the following manifestations:
- Emotional disturbances.
A woman is not left with the feeling that the meaning of life has been lost, even her favorite activities no longer bring joy, moreover, the feeling of impending disaster constantly oppresses. Against this background, various fears are activated, as well as complexes – a woman in depression is never satisfied with herself, constantly seeks out negative sides in herself and blames herself for this. Difficulties appear in making ordinary decisions, it is difficult to concentrate; some even believe that suicide is the best way out.
- Somatic disorders.
The most characteristic of this condition is all kinds of sleep disturbances. A woman may not sleep at night, or vice versa, have a constant desire to sleep. To this are added such signs of depression as problems with appetite, which, again, are individual for each: someone does not get a piece in the throat, and someone sweeps everything off the shelves in the refrigerator. The general energy of the body does not allow to perform even those actions that previously did not cause any difficulties. Additional discomfort is brought about by sudden pains: stomach aches, heart aches, muscles ache.
- Conduct disorders.
If a woman is depressed, she does not want anything – neither work, nor do any business, nor communicate even with those who are close to her. Even the habits of personal hygiene are relegated to the background, some of them even become “unnecessary”. But attempts to forget with the help of alcohol and other bad habits are intensifying.
Postpartum depression symptoms
Postpartum depression is a special type of mental disorder that can overtake any new mother, and not necessarily immediately after returning from the hospital – weeks or even months can pass. To distinguish a real problem, you need to pay attention to the following manifestations:
- Fear for your child.
Of course, every mother worries about her baby, but during depression, this fear develops into a real panic. At the same time, the mother begins to blame herself even for what should not cause much concern. For example, he accuses himself of worthlessness if the baby accidentally caught a slight cold.
- Complaints of fatigue.
The woman constantly repeats how difficult it is for her alone with the baby, how tired she is and wants to rest, while she may not take into account that her relatives are helping her. A bad mood often literally “pours out” along with tears of resentment.
- Conflictness.
Surprisingly, this psychological disorder often finds its way out in aggression directed towards others. Even if there is no reason for a quarrel, it is created by a woman intentionally, which causes bewilderment of loved ones.
- Physical manifestations.
Negative moods, tantrums are often accompanied by a feeling as if the heart is about to jump out of the chest. Constantly, regardless of the situation, the head hurts. Sometimes a woman finds temporary comfort in a kind of “rituals” in which there is practically no point – for example, to wipe an already clean table for the hundredth time a day, but this is not an option of how to deal with depression, but only a temporary measure.
Signs of depression in men
The manifestations of depression in men are somewhat different from those in women. The main features in this case, psychologists include:
- Emotional disturbances.
Apathy, lack of interest, abrupt mood swings with a predominance of aggressive states are characteristic of depression in men. Unreasonable anxiety and suspicion often appear .
- Somatic disorders.
Also, as in the fairer sex, men in a period of depression present various sleep disorders: problems in falling asleep, constant drowsiness or “ragged” sleep, when a person wakes up several times a night for no apparent reason. Changes in weight may be present. Erection problems become a companion for most men during depression, which can be an aggravating factor for the general condition.
- Conduct disorders.
Alcohol, cigarettes, drugs – many men turn to them, and not to psychologists, who want to understand how to cope with depression. Someone, in an effort to “knock themselves out of the rut”, goes all out: deliberately violates the traffic rules, enters into extramarital affairs even in a good climate in the family. Suicidal thoughts are the worst that a person can come to in such a state, since it is men who often purposefully bring such plans to fruition.