mhartofly - Thanks for your question and for reaching out to EmpowHER. Depression in women is very common. We are actually twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. Depression can also occur at different stages of life, and it's estimated that one out of every four women will have some form of major depression during her lifetime. Life transitions are often a trigger for depressive episodes, and you've certainly had plenty of those recently.
Social isolation is one of the symptoms of depression, and it's a positive sign that you want to reach out to other women. We have a Depression Group on the site where you can talk with other women, and you may also want to see if there are online or even in-person groups available in your community. https://www.empowher.com/groups/Depression
Getting physical exercise is one the fastest, easiest and least expensive tools you can use to fight depression. You mentioned that you had major spine surgery and that your legs swell up when you walk or work. Have you discussed this with your doctor to see if the swelling can be reduced through medication? Did you have any type of physical therapy or physical rehabilitation program after your surgery to help you regain your strength and ability to function? Getting help so that you will feel better physically will help you in dealing with the medical impact depression is having on your mind and body. It would also help to have a physical exam to check your blood chemistry and be sure all is well. If your meds have been prescribed by multiple doctors it may help to look at whether the combination of multiple drugs could be contributing to the way you feel and whether you are on the right combination of medications for your medical conditions.
Let me know if these ideas are helpful, and what steps you plan to take. I'm so glad you reached out, and I hope you will continue to do so and find the answers that you need.
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mhartofly - Thanks for your question and for reaching out to EmpowHER. Depression in women is very common. We are actually twice as likely to develop clinical depression as men. Depression can also occur at different stages of life, and it's estimated that one out of every four women will have some form of major depression during her lifetime. Life transitions are often a trigger for depressive episodes, and you've certainly had plenty of those recently.
Social isolation is one of the symptoms of depression, and it's a positive sign that you want to reach out to other women. We have a Depression Group on the site where you can talk with other women, and you may also want to see if there are online or even in-person groups available in your community. https://www.empowher.com/groups/Depression
Getting physical exercise is one the fastest, easiest and least expensive tools you can use to fight depression. You mentioned that you had major spine surgery and that your legs swell up when you walk or work. Have you discussed this with your doctor to see if the swelling can be reduced through medication? Did you have any type of physical therapy or physical rehabilitation program after your surgery to help you regain your strength and ability to function? Getting help so that you will feel better physically will help you in dealing with the medical impact depression is having on your mind and body. It would also help to have a physical exam to check your blood chemistry and be sure all is well. If your meds have been prescribed by multiple doctors it may help to look at whether the combination of multiple drugs could be contributing to the way you feel and whether you are on the right combination of medications for your medical conditions.
Let me know if these ideas are helpful, and what steps you plan to take. I'm so glad you reached out, and I hope you will continue to do so and find the answers that you need.
Take care,
August 24, 2010 - 5:47pmPat
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