This is the first of a three-part blog series on depression in women, in which several aspects will be covered. This first blog will act as an introduction and overview of depression in women and its relationship to drug and alcohol abuse. The second will cover depression symptoms in women, and the third will cover treatment for depression.
Depression in women is a serious health problem that often coincides with addiction and the abuse of drugs and alcohol. When depression and addiction coexist, it is referred to as a dual diagnosis, and both problems must be treated together to achieve wellness and recovery. Depression is the most common dual diagnosis that co-occurs with substance abuse in women.
The following is a list of important things to know about depression in women.
- One in four women will suffer from a severe form of depression compared to only one in eight men.
- Depression in women is a problem that rarely gets the treatment necessary. In fact, less than half of all women who suffer from depression will seek treatment.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), research shows that one out of three women suffering from depression in the United States will also suffer from some form of substance abuse.
- New studies show that if left untreated, the symptoms of depression in women get worse the older they get. This was shown to be true even in cases where symptoms of alcoholism improved. This is part of why it is so important to treat both addiction and depression in women.
- According to the NIMH, depression in women is most often caused by one of or a combination of genetics, chemicals and hormones, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpartum depression, menopause and stress factors.
- Women are three times more likely than men to attempt suicide. The majority of those who attempt or commit suicide suffer from diagnosable depression and/or a substance abuse disorder. Suicide is the 19th leading cause of death in women.
- In addition to substance abuse disorders, there are several other issues that depression in women often coincides with. Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and social phobias are commonly dual diagnosed with depression in women. Women are also far more likely than men to suffer from a dual diagnosis.
Destination Hope is a substance abuse rehab program that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment. We understand the importance of treating additional issues such as depression in women.
With this three-part series of blogs in addition to the other information made available through the website, hopefully, some women will be educated and possibly be helped to get the treatment that they need for addiction, substance abuse problems and depression.
Each of these issues can be incredibly difficult to deal with alone, and when in combination as they often come can seem overwhelming. Professional help is available and you don’t have to go through it alone. Call us today if you have questions about depression or addiction and let us help you get your life back.
