Sadness is an overwhelming feeling that can be normal or a sign of a serious medical illness. Sometimes, this sadness can last for more than two weeks and become chronic. Also, the onset of sadness can occur after giving birth. Additionally, menstrual cycles may also trigger feelings of sadness. Fortunately, the causes of sadness have specific treatment options.
Major Depression
MedlinePlus says that major depression occurs when people exhibit five or more depression symptoms for greater than two weeks.
Specific depression symptoms include sadness, fatigue, feelings of being worthless or hopeless, agitation, restlessness and irritability. Other symptoms of depression include appetite changes, weight loss or weight gain, suicidal thoughts and problems sleeping.
Unfortunately, the cause for depression is still unknown but stress and family history may contribute to major depression.
Treating depression involves taking medications such as lithium, monamine oxidase inhibitors and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. Other treatment methods for depression involve getting electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy) and counseling. Taking the herb St. John's Wort, avoiding alcohol or drugs and eating well-balanced meals can also help manage major depression.
Postpartum Depression
The Mayo Clinic says that about 10 percent of new mothers experience postpartum depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression include sadness, trouble sleeping, suicidal thoughts, intense anger or irritability and mood swings. Other symptoms of postpartum depression include social isolation, difficulty bonding with the baby and suicidal thoughts.
A decline in the female hormones estrogen and progesterone may contribute to postpartum depression. Also, sleep deprivation, lack of support and trouble breastfeeding are just some other contributing factors for postpartum depression.
Treating postpartum depression involves counseling, taking antidepressants and taking estrogen replacement therapy. Sometimes, medications such as antipsychotics or mood stabilizers may also be prescribed. In some instances, electroconvulsive therapy (shock therapy) may be needed to manage postpartum depression.
Premenstrual Syndrome
The menstrual cycle is associated with fluctuations in female hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that can lead to a condition called premenstrual syndrome. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include sadness, weight gain, a headache, breast tenderness, muscle spasms and swelling of the ankles, feet or hands. Other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include diarrhea, constipation, painful menstruation, nausea and a backache, says MedlinePlus.
In fact, these symptoms typically occur five to eleven days prior to the start of the menstrual cycle.
The exact cause for premenstrual syndrome is unknown. MedlinePlus says that risk factors for its development include being in the late 20s to early 40s, having at least one child and having a history of major depression, postpartum depression or a mood disorder.
Treating premenstrual syndrome involves exercising and limiting salt, caffeine, alcohol and sugars from the diet. Taking such supplements as vitamin B6, magnesium and calcium can also be beneficial in managing premenstrual syndrome. Sometimes, birth control pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, diuretics and bromocriptine can also help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
