Mental Health Issues Facing Women

Transcription

1 Mental Health Issues Facing Women While there are many mental health issues that women face, only a select few are included in the following presentation. Those included are the most common mental health illnesses affecting women today.

2 Mental Health Topics Eating Disorders Anorexia Nervosa Binge Eating Disorder Bulimia Nervosa Depression

3 Eating Disorders - Anorexia Nervosa Someone with anorexia thinks about food frequently and limits the foods they eat, even though she/he is too thin % of anorexics are female. Anorexia is more than just a problem with food. It's a way of using food or starving oneself to feel more in control of life and to ease tension, anger, and anxiety. Signs of Anorexia: A low body weight for her height An intense fear of gaining weight Inaccurate body image Misses 3 consecutive menstrual periods (for girls/women who have started menstruation) If you or someone you know is showing signs of anorexia: Create open dialogue with close family and friends Speak to a professional Avoid conflicts Don't place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend Be supportive

4 Eating Disorders - Binge Eating People with binge eating disorder often eat an unusually large amount of food and feel out of control during the binges. Unlike bulimia or anorexia, binge eaters do not throw up their food, perform large amounts of exercise, or eat only small amounts of specific foods. For this reason, binge eaters are often overweight or obese. 2% of all adults in the United States (as many as 4 million Americans) have binge eating disorder. Signs of a Binge Eating Disorder: Eat more quickly than usual during binge episodes Eat until they are uncomfortably full Eat when they are not hungry Eat alone because of embarrassment Feel disgusted, depressed, or guilty after overeating

5 Eating Disorders - Bulimia Nervosa A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (binging) and then tries to prevent weight gain by getting rid of the food (purging). Examples of Purging: Forced vomiting Taking laxatives Medication to speed up the movement of food through the body, resulting in a bowel movement A person with bulimia feels she/he cannot control the amount of food eaten. Individuals with bulimia nervosa may exercise excessively, eat very little or not at all, or take pills to pass urine often to prevent weight gain.

6 Different Types of Depression There are many types of depression. Contact a doctor immediately for assistance in diagnosing and treating depression. Major Depressive Disorder Also called major depression, this is a combination of symptoms that hurt a person's ability to work, sleep, study, eat, and enjoy hobbies. Dysthymic Disorder Also called dysthymia, this type of depression lasts for long periods of time (two years or longer). The symptoms are less severe than major depression but can prevent individuals from living normally or feeling well. Psychotic Depression Occurs when a severe depressive illness happens with some form of psychosis, such as a break with reality, hallucinations, and delusions. Postpartum Depression Diagnosed if a new mother has a major depressive episode within one month after delivery. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) A depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.

7 Depression During & After Pregnancy How common is depression during and after pregnancy? About 13% of pregnant women and new mothers have depression. Signs and Symptoms of Depression: Feeling restless or moody Feeling sad, hopeless, and/or overwhelmed Excessive crying Decreased energy or motivation A substantial change in eating habits (eating too little, or too much) A substantial change in sleep habits (sleeping too little, or too much) Having trouble focusing or making decisions Feeling worthless and/or guilty Losing interest or pleasure in activities you enjoyed previously Withdrawing from friends and family Headaches, aches and pains, or stomach problems that don't go away Call a doctor if experiencing any of the symptoms above for 2 weeks.

8 References