Depression and Women

Women are two to three times more likely than men to suffer from depression. This, in no way, suggests that women are weaker than men. Rather, we believe it is for a number of reasons that have to do with a woman’s genetic and biological makeup.

Recent research shows that women’s biology differs from men’s in many more ways than previously thought and these physical differences (such as different levels of estrogen, serotonin, cortisol and melatonin) are beginning to provide clues to why women are so much more susceptible to depression as well as to a special type of depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder

3 Tips to Help Your Relationship Survive an Emotional Affair

I define an emotional affair as a relationship in which one or both parties are involved in another significant relationship where there is emotional intimacy, sexual chemistry, and romantic feelings, without the relationship having been consummated.

Frequently in emotional affairs, the partner who didn’t have the affair experiences the same degree of betrayal and breach of trust as he or she would if a spouse had a physical affair. At times, an emotional affair can feel even more damaging because someone else has met the partner’s emotional needs.

If you or your partner has had an emotional affair, your relationship can most certainly survive and perhaps even become even closer than it was before the affair.

Advice from a Marriage Counselor for Working Parents

Sam and Rhonda, a couple in their 30s, came to me for therapy because they felt disconnected. They were busy raising two active boys, ages 3 and 5, and temporarily taking care of his ailing father while Sam was going through a career change. Halfway into our first session, Rhonda gave me a clue to their problem.

“The minute Sam walks in the door at the end of the day, I start complaining in my head—I can’t stop myself!”

Looking pained, Sam chimed in: “I can tell she’s not that happy to see me, so I get on the computer and try to stay out of her way.”

Ways to Handle Depression That You May Not Have Considered

Mental illness amongst all generations is at an all-time high with conditions like depression at the top of the list. There are a lot of causes of depression including genetics, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, lack of sleep, stressful circumstances, and traumatic events, and getting through this emotionally challenging journey will require efficient treatment and proper self-care. With multiple avenues to take to recover from depression, exploring several options increases your chances of truly overcoming this mental illness.

Getting Help for Postpartum Depression

Changes in mood and energy level, along with mild feelings of worry, irritability, or anxiety, are common after childbirth. About 80% of those who have just had a baby will experience the baby blues, a mild form of postpartum depression (PPD) that usually goes away after one to three weeks. But as many as one in seven women will experience PPD, which does not always go away without treatment.

It can be hard to talk about this issue. You might think your low mood will go away on its own. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed of being depressed when friends and family tell you how exciting and thrilling it is to have a new baby. You might even feel that there’s something wrong with you. Or you might not be sure what you’re feeling. You might worry people will think you can’t be a good parent if you have depression.

It’s important to know that PPD is common. It is not your fault. The exact causes aren’t known, but it isn’t the result of a choice you made or actions you took during pregnancy or childbirth. People with depression can still be good parents. In many cases, depression improves with treatment.

When Worry Won’t Quit: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living

Stop worrying! I know, easier said than done. It’s also pretty annoying to hear, especially when you feel like you can’t stop. However, not only is it possible to stop worrying, your life will be better if you do stop.

Everyone who has ever worried—and that’s everyone—knows worrying feels terrible. But you may not know it’s also bad for your health. It saps your energy. It disrupts your sleep. It distracts you from your work. It stops you from enjoying your life.

While some worrying is inevitable, it’s important to have some skills to combat your worries so they don’t overwhelm your life.

Worries are thoughts. Lousy, repetitive, anxiety-inducing thoughts, but just thoughts. You need other, helpful thoughts to challenge those negative thoughts and, ultimately, replace them.

Tips to Improve Your Sex Life

Whether the problem is big or small, there are many things you can do to get your sex life back on track. Your sexual well-being goes hand in hand with your overall mental, physical, and emotional health. Communicating with your partner, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, availing yourself of some of the many excellent self-help materials on the market, and just having fun can help you weather tough times.

8 Tips for Living With Depression

Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Going to work, socializing with friends, or even just getting out of bed can feel like a struggle. But there are some things you can do to cope with your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Here are eight tips for living with depression.