Womens Mental Health Issues - Recognize Them In Time

Muffy suffered a period of debilitating depression, followed by a nervous breakdown (also known as a psychotic break) at age 47. Depression can range from “the blues”, which go away on their own, to the normal grief following a loss, to a more serious disorder called major depression.

The latter was Muffy’s plight. She was also a woman over 40, entering midlife.

She not only suffered from a depressed mood, but there were changes in her appearance, behavior, speech, perception, and thoughts. Her insight and judgment were affected; to the extent that there were times she couldn’t work and took many sick days off.

Finally she was forced to take a leave of absence. Once, a sympathetic co-worker told her that she looked so melancholy. This gave her a slight hint of her condition.

Muffy became inattentive to her personal grooming; she developed poor posture, an expressionless face, and always appeared to be sad. She lost interest in activities she previously enjoyed, her house was unclean, she lost her appetite and consequently a great deal of weight.

She was all alone. Her husband was gone and the children were attending college out of state.

Muffy was able to put on a pretty good act when speaking on the phone with family or friends. If they questioned her about her well-being , she would reassure them everything was fine. People had doubts but were limited in helping her if she refused.

Muffy’s mind was spinning out of control actually. She began to hear voices and responded to those voices, in her mind.

We all have an inner critic in our minds, who is much like a parent to keep us in line. Psychologically healthy people are mentally strong enough to deal with it. But for people like Muffy who was mentally incapacitated, she believed everything the negative voices said. These were thoughts such as guilt, self-blame, hopelessness, self-hatred, helplessness and worthlessness.

Muffy was in a very dangerous situation. Her depression deepened and she began to hear the voices telling her she should kill herself.

If anyone who is reading this article recognizes themselves, I strongly urge you to consult a physician or a licensed mental health practitioner – a psychiatrist or psychologist or seek help at a mental health clinic immediately. There are psychiatrists specializing in womens mental health.

You need to be evaluated for possible major depression disorder and possible treatment with medications, plus professional assistance in working through your mental and emotional issues.

More on womens mental health in these articles:

How To Fight Panic Attacks
Panic attacks or high anxiety, are not uncommon in older women. What can you do about it?

Stress Causes - Solve Your Problems And You'll Stop Worrying
Stress causes... there's a lot I can say about it. And there's even more you can do about stressful situations!

Searching A Stress Management Technique?
Let's find a stress management technique that works. We, women over 40, all need one every now and then!

How To Manage Depression And Menopause
It's not uncommon to suffer from depression during menopause. With the right approach you can learn how to handle this womens mental health issue and cope with everyday pressures.

For Women Over 40 With Anxiety Disorders
Women over 40 with anxiety disorders feel extremely fearful and unsure. Their fears and worries make it hard for them to handle everyday tasks. But there is help available.

Depression in Women--Symptoms and Treatments
Clinical depression is a serious medical condition and professional attention is required...

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