The National Institute of Mental Health states that depression is defined by feelings of sadness and helplessness. Housewives can develop depression, especially if they feel overwhelmed with daily tasks or have a predisposition for the disease. Everyone experiences sadness from time to time. Sometimes it is triggered by a life-changing event such as a death or divorce. As the body and mind heal, thoughts of depression should be manageable or subside naturally. If they don't, medical attention is necessary for treatment.
Symptoms
Depression among housewives has certain characteristics and signs observed through behavior. This includes a detachment, such as isolation and seclusion, from immediate family members. According to Psychology Information Online, symptoms of depression include irritability, excessive crying, fatigue, suicidal thoughts, feelings of sadness and lack of interest in everyday activities. For a housewife, not being able to perform daily or routine duties, such as cooking, cleaning, running errands or spending time with her children, may be a sign of underlying depression.
Types
Depression appears in different forms, such as major depressive disorder, dysthymic disorder, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorder, psychotic depression and bipolar disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health defines major depressive disorder as a combination of depression symptoms that interfere with someone's ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy normal routine activities. This is common in housewives who may be overwhelmed with child care or home care duties. Seasonal affective disorder can affect housewives during the winter months or cloudy days. Postpartum depression occurs after childbirth. If you develop major depression after childbirth, you may be suffering from fatigue and anxiety that interferes with taking care of your baby.
Diagnosis
If you are a housewife who is suffering, obtaining the correct diagnosis is essential to treatment and recovery, according to the Mayo Clinic. The first course of action is to consult your physician so that tests can be run to rule out underlying medical conditions. A complete physical along with a comprehensive metabolic panel can help determine a definitive diagnosis. Your doctor may then refer to you a psychologist or behavioral therapist who can accurately diagnose which type of depression you have.
Treatment
More than 9.4 million Americans suffer from depression in any six-month period, according to the Healthy Place, a website that includes a network of health professionals who provide information on a a broad range of topics. For housewives, treatment for depression may include cognitive and group therapy along with one-on-one sessions. Your therapist may also prescribe medications that help treat your particular type of depression. Anti-anxiety medications such as diazepam and buspirone have been successful at treating some forms of depression. Antidepressants may also be used to help regulate serotonin levels.
Outcome
As a housewife, the outcome of getting treatment for your depression should be where you are able to adjust and cope with your everyday life. You will not only need medicinal help and therapy but you will need to rely on family and friends for support and ongoing encouragement. If at any time you are facing feelings of depression or suicide, contact the national Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-TALK.
