Women’s Counseling and Therapy in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Women so often put others’ needs before their own that they hide or ignore challenges they’re facing until the burden has become too heavy. Feeling a sense of sadness, despair, ‘blue’ or simply ‘stuck’ is not a normal part of being a woman in any way. Depression is a serious medical illness affecting more than 19 million American adults year over year and it can occur in any woman, at any time, and for various reasons regardless of age, race, or income. The current pandemic issues with the associated disruption of our usual lives can significantly contribute to depression and despair.
Mood changes and depressed feelings can occur with normal hormonal changes, but depression is not caused by hormonal changes alone. An array of biological factors, genetic traits, and individual life circumstances and experiences all contribute to a higher risk of depression.
Plenty of research shows gender determines the differential of power and control men and women have over the socioeconomic determinants of their mental health and lives, their status, social position, and treatment in society – and as a consequence their susceptibility and exposure to specific mental health risks. It’s no surprise that gender differences can be seen to occur particularly in the rates of common mental disorders – depression, anxiety and somatic complaints.
Issues such as gender socialization, prevalence of domestic violence, and lower socioeconomic status may contribute to health disparities. A single mother with a full-time job who still finds it challenging to pay her bills each month may be at greater risk for depression, anxiety, and stress. Pressure to succeed both at home and at work, potentially coupled with the obstacle of lower pay, is often likely to have a negative impact on mental health.
While research indicates women may be more likely to experience a mental health concern, not all women will necessarily experience a health challenge, and a mental or physical health concern may be experienced in different ways. Commonly experienced mental health concerns by women include:
- Depression – More than just feeling down, depression is a chronic illness that can plague a woman for a particular period or can be ongoing for her entire life.
- Anxiety – Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety in their lives, whether it’s worrying about an upcoming social situation or feeling nervous about public speaking.
- Eating Disorders – When people think of eating disorders they typically think of anorexia and bulimia, however, there are many other types of eating disorders including binge eating disorder and orthorexia.
- Postpartum Depression – A form of clinical depression, postpartum depression occurs after childbirth. Postpartum depression can begin immediately following birth or can take some time to develop.
- Bipolar Disorder – Formerly known as manic-depression, bipolar disorder is a mood disorder caused by the brain characterized by severe mood swings.
- Borderline Personality – Borderline personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by negative thoughts and disturbances.
- Domestic Violence – There are many types of domestic violence, some of which can take place in childhood and others which a woman may face in her current situation. Domestic violence may be emotional, physical, verbal, or psychological.
- Sexual Abuse – Sexual abuse can take many forms, from sexual harassment to rape, but the underlying thread is that the abuser exerts power over their victim through unwanted sexual acts.
- Discrimination – Throughout history women have experienced many forms of oppression, and many of these sexist or discriminatory practices continue today.
- Hormonal Changes – While most all women experience hormonal changes throughout life, some can struggle and experience both mental and physical difficulties with these changes. Biological identical hormone replacement therapy can be utilized after menopause to stabilize mood as well as increase bone strength and decrease pain.
- Infertility – Infertility can be a devastating experience for women who are trying to get pregnant.
- Low Self Esteem/Self Worth – Many women experience low self-esteem at some point in their lives, but for others, this is a more serious concern.
Although depression might seem overwhelming, there’s effective treatment. Even severe depression often can be successfully treated. Contact us if you are experiencing any signs and symptoms of depression, such as:
- Ongoing feelings of sadness, guilt or hopelessness
- Loss of interest in things you once enjoyed
- Change in your sleep pattern changes, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Fatigue or unexplained pain or other physical symptoms without an apparent cause
- Problems concentrating or remembering things
- Changes in appetite leading to significant weight loss or weight gain
- Physical aches and pains
- Feeling despair and harboring thoughts of suicide
We believe that healing happens best when you’re treated as a whole person – not a set of symptoms – which is why we specialize in a blended holistic approach that treats any overlapping issues. Building healthy, mature and satisfying relationships with yourself and your loved ones starts with you. We are here to support and guide you in the right direction by showing you how to grow your self-esteem, get in touch with your feelings, model effective communication, set clear boundaries and navigate closeness and distance. We’re dedicated to helping women live their best lives. Remember, depression is both common and treatable and we’re here to start the conversation with you.
Designed Health Options, LLC
Click on the Health Condition or Treatment of your Interest
Calls, questions and appointments are welcomed. We’re in Corrales, 8 minutes North of Albuquerque toward Rio Rancho