Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression

How are these women’s health issues? you may ask.

Depression

Depression is the most common reason for doctor visits. It affects women:men in a 3:1 ratio.

Some Causes of Depression:

stress
chemical imbalance (s) related to any of the other factors
physical illness
hormone changes
anxiety

The best approach to treating depression involves addressing it from many angles:

nutrition
cognition(consciously changing negative self-talk)
hormone changes
medications specific for depression

Not Just a “Mental Illness”

Depression has a physical basis: It actually causes loss and malfunction of nerve cells in the emotional control centers of the brain. Treatments for depression, non-medical and pharmacologic, work by first reversing a chemical imbalance in the brain; and then by stimulating re-growth of the nerve cells in the emotional areas of the brain.

Depression responds to a number of treatments, and medication is not necessarily the best option, depending on the situation. Simple physical exercise and modification of negative thinking can be all it takes to alleviate minor depression. More serious episodes of depression may require treatment with medication. Addressing insomnia and anxiety are essential to a holistic approach to depression.

Insomnia

Insomnia affects millions of Americans annually. It can be short-lived, chronic, or episodic. Insomnia is associated with stress, hormonal changes, and depression. It can also exacerbate these conditions. Sleep is crucial for the body’s physical well-being, a healthy immune system, and for learning and processing of information.

A number of non-medical and medical treatments are available for insomnia including breathing exercises, physical exercise, relaxation exercises, and medication.

Anxiety

Anxiety affects 15 percent percent of the population (40 million people). Anxiety elicits the same physical response as fear but anxiety occurs in reaction to a vague threat; whereas fear is a reaction to a defined threat. Anxiety can occur at any time in life, but the most common ages of onset are the twenties and the forties. Chronic stress can predispose a person to anxiety even if you don’t realize you’re stressed. If you experience four of the following you may be suffering from anxiety: