Hi ladies of hive and welcome to the interesting topic for the week. Women indeed are prone to depression and anxiety especially in our society today. I'm a Nigerian and will be speaking from our socio-cultural perspective.
Let's begin by understanding the following terms:
- Depression: English to English Advance dictionary defines depression as "a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and despondent lack of activities". it can also be seen as an emotional disorder characterized by feeling, sadness, loneliness, rejection and hopelessness that continues beyond a reasonable time and to which the individual makes no effort to help herself/himself from. Further more it can still be considered as a mood disorder with a feeling of loss or anger that interferes with a person's everyday activities. More so, it is a serious medical sickness that negatively affects how one feel, think and act.
2.Anxiety on the other hand is another name for worry which is a state of being disturbed as a result happenings that seems unpleasant or unhappy.
Depression affects anyone, even people who appears to live a normal life. Depression and anxiety are connected, they work hand in hand, actually anxiety may lead to depression and other anomalies.
There're quite a number of factors that causes depression, let's highlight and explain some of them:
1.Genetic/hereditary : Depression can pass through the family blood line or lineage. In other words it's transferable.
- Personality: For instance women with low self esteem who are easily overwhelmed are prone to depression.
- Social factors: Conditions such as loneliness, insecurity, isolation, broken homes, domestic violence can lead to a state of depression.
- Social factors: Circumstances such as lost of loved ones, persistent exposure to violent and the like are depression client.
- Medical factors: There're drugs induced depression and the likes.
Now What are the signs and symptoms that may indicate a manifestation of depression. They include but are not limited to the following: - Feeling of sadness or mood swings.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed being withdrawn gloomy and hopeless.
- Tension leading to
Lack of concentration. - Feeling worthless and guilty.
- Loss of libido and suicidal thoughts
- Sleeplessness.
Mrs Chiwendu I Onuoha in her paper presented at the church of Nigeria senior clergy wives training held at the ecclesiastical province of Abba in August 2021 mentioned various forms of depression experienced by Men and women as follows: - Major depressive Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
3.Seasonal Affective Disorder
4.premenstrual Disphoric Disorder.
5.Disruptive Mood dysregulation.
6.Reactive Depression.
Now the question is, how can women manage depression and anxiety in Nigerian context and by extension other women so as not to die before their time. The following suggestions should be be seriously taken in to consideration; - God Factor: There're so many problems going on in the Nation it's only God that is the solution to it and nothing more. No amount of worry can change the situation. So women should learn how to take their problems to God through personal and corporate prayers.
- Rest: work was there before we were born and will be there till we die. Women must learn to be disciplined in finding time to rest.
- Psychotherapy, brain stimulation therapy, interpersonal therapy, recreational therapy, diets and medical attention.
In conclusion, inspite of the numerous challenges of life bedeviling the Nigerian women making them prone to anxiety and depression, women can live their life to the fullest if they open up, confront their issues, seek peace and godly counsel watch and guard their heart and minds. ❤️ Thank you.ladies of hive contest.