Women's Top Five Health Concerns (part4)

Depression

Depression appears to affect more women than men. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that about 12 million women are affected by a depressive disorder each year.

Dorree Lynn, PhD, a psychologist and author of Getting Sane Without Going Crazy, says women need a connection with others in their lives."They need that sustenance," says Lynn. "If they don't have it, they tend to get depressed." Sometimes, hormonal changes can also trigger the condition, particularly after pregnancy (postpartum) or around menopause.

Other risk factors for depression include:

• A previous depressive episode
• Family history of depression
• History of heart problems
• Serious chronic illness
• Marital problems
• Substance abuse
• Use of drugs that could trigger depression, such as medicines for high blood pressure or seizures
• A stressful life event, such as job loss or death
• Diseases that could trigger depression, such as anemia and thyroid disease
• Recent serious illness or surgery
• Childhood history of physical or sexual abuse
• Being a worrier or being overly anxious
• Having an eating disorder or an anxiety disorder

To help reduce risk of depression, Lynn recommends finding a reason to get up in the morning. She says things such as work, community, love, pets, and volunteering can be good reasons.

"Statistically, the healthiest adults, both in women and men, are people in significant caring relationships," says Lynn. She says adults not in nurturing relationships can reduce their risk of depression by making efforts to reach out into the community.