The Impact of Exercise on Women Who Suffer From Depression

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Table of Contents

Introduction
History of the problem
Current status
Managing depression
Other ways of managing it
Conclusion and recommendation
References

Introduction

Depression is viewed as a psychological reaction to environmental pressure. People from different ethnic groups, age, and social status are all vulnerable to depression. However, in all these categories, studies show that women are more vulnerable to depression than men (Beck & Alford, 2009).

The causes of depression in women are associated with their roles. The more kids they have and the younger they are, the greater the chances of being depressed.

Women have close to double the life occurrence of depressive conditions of men. Almost all of this increased vulnerability to depression takes place during the childbirth years, from menarche to menopause.

Various factors, both psychosocial and biological, may play a role in these contrasting rates of depression (Friedman & Anderson, 2010). As high levels of depression in women depend on ovarian function, estrogen has been observed to be the cause of depression in women, and is, thus, a possible agent for the management of depression.

History of the problem

The sex-role theory of female depression states that women are more depressed compared to men because of much stress and discrimination they face in everyday life. The gender difference issue is usually the beginning of severe depression in women. Moreover, married women are more likely to be depressed compared to single ladies. First, depression influence marital steadiness in a different way for women than for men.

Second, although gender inequality is not viewed in the recurrence of severe depression, the environmental conditions associated with reoccurrence are different for women compared with men.

For instance, economic strains are more depressing for men than women whereas family issues are more depressing for women than for men. These examples show a strong link between gender and depression between married and unmarried people (Simonds, 2006).

Studies done have shown that there are a number of risk factors associated with depression. They include family history, childhood experiences, personality issues, and exposure to depressing life circumstances (Srigley, 2010). For example, families with a history of nervousness or alcoholism have anticipated depression episodes.

Current status

For many years, women have been most susceptible to depression, the world’s number one mental health issue. Many women are poor and oppressed, thus, their chances of being depressed are high. Throughout the globe today, women are twice likely to encounter depression compared to men (Beck & Alford, 2009).

According to local and international research, serious depression is not only rising, but it appears to start earlier for each following generation. In the course of life, many people have at least one depression experience, with much of the threat being among women. In the United States, it has been observed that one out of seven women would be admitted to the hospitals for depression. Today, their risk has risen.

A greater proportion of women today than ever before are contributing in the labor force in addition to their home chores. This has resulted to more depressed women, because of the pressure of both work and family. Many women claim that job stress is their leading problem (Friedman & Anderson, 2010).

Financial stability, job fulfillment, work disputes, and family relations all contribute to depression especially in the present world. Some women go through sexual harassment in their place of work. Sexual injustice has been linked to physical and emotional problems, including depression.

Women are regularly exposed to other forms of sex discrimination, like gender inequality. This may comprise working in a male dominated field that does not permit the needs of parenting, and fails to promote women because of their home roles.

These actions hinder women’s opportunities for promotion to higher levels, which may result to disappointment, fury, misery, and low self-worth (Andrews, 2010).The pressures of work combine with gender discrimination resulting to depression.

Managing depression

Although exercise is not likely to be a healer of serious depression, there is proof to support that exercise may play a significant role in reducing stress and improving mood (Hart & Weber, 2007).

Studies reveal that those who exercise often have lower occurrences of depression and anxiety compared to those who rarely exercise. For older women with mild to moderate depression, habitual aerobic exercise is a helpful medication for the management of depression.

Exercise has immediate physiological impacts to the brain. When a person exercises, the body produces endorphins and other hormones that may have a soothing impact. Exercises help in adjusting levels of specific neurotransmitters, which contain mood-improving results (Lafrance, 2009).

Exercise is also a disruption from the pressure and tension of everyday life, and feeling healthy and looking fine may also enhance one’s self-esteem and self-belief. Moreover, exercise enhances the quality of sleep and enables one feel properly rested and more active.

Exercise may not be a substitute for normal treatments but it indeed can be combined with other methods for curing depression and can have lasting impacts on the emotional and physical health of a person (Nonacs, 2006).

Women should participate in half an hour or more of reasonable exercise in at least five days in a week. For pregnant women, they should discuss their exercise schedule with their doctor, because certain form of exercise may pose danger to the pregnancy.

Other ways of managing it

The relationship women have with other people is very significant in treating depression. Not only do these crucial social relations help one deal with the needs of daily life, but having these relations is also beneficial for both emotional and physical wellbeing.

They enhance the immune system and lower the levels of stress-linked hormones (Srigley, 2010). Feeling related with others also encourages one to live a better and full life. It has been observed that people with good social networks live for many years, better and more contented lives.

On the other hand, studies have shown that women who feel isolated from their families and friends are more likely to get depressed (Simonds, 2006). Getting enough support appears to be very crucial for women especially those with children.

Without the support of others, a woman feels insufficient and weak in her abilities, and when she encounters a stressful experience, it is even difficult for her to handle. Therefore, in order for a woman to manage or treat depression she should ask support from others.

Women need the support of others, although we stay in a world that is independent and self-reliant. The support and company of others is very beneficial during a depression period.

There are things women can do to treat depression. For instance, many women get reassurance from reading and educating themselves about their challenges. Today there are various books and other articles dedicated to the issues of depression. These books are a significant source of knowledge and may help women deal with their problems.

Many women who feel depressed, feel lonely, a good book can help to overcome this feeling of loneliness (Nonacs, 2006). Understanding that other women go through the same tough experiences may make depressed women feel less embarrassed of their problems. It makes a woman feel more at ease when expressing their feelings and may encourage them to look for support from others.

For many women, looking for professional treatment may be a big issue. However, it is important for women to consider professional who knows and understands matters to do with depression. Women go through psychotherapy, which is one of the most successful treatments (Keyes & Goodman, 2006).

For pregnant women or breast-feeding mothers, this is especially a good treatment option for them. Research has indicated that therapy is as effective as medication for treating depression. In addition, it appears that the most remarkable and lasting results are got when a combination of medicine and therapy is applied.

Conclusion and recommendation

Symptoms of depression and the identification of depression are more common in women. Studies have revealed that women are twice likely to be depressed compared to men, if placed in the same situation.

There are many factors that cause depression in women, ranging from biological factors such as the working of hormones to social factors like gender discrimination (Chew-Graham, Baldwin &Burns, 2008). Depression is a disorder that has negative consequences to the victim. Therefore, it is important for proper treatment to be done to depressed women.

Various methods can be used to treat depression, for example, exercising regularly, socializing with friends and family, joining support groups, or getting medical help from professionals (Andrews, 2010).

In the modern world, where women choose careers thought to be for only men, they should be supported, encouraged, and given opportunities for promotion. This will enhance the self-esteem of women and therefore, cases of depression are likely to reduce.

References

Andrews, L. (2010). Encyclopedia of Depression, Volume 1. California: ABC.CLIO, LLC.

Beck A., Alford B. (2009). Depression: causes and treatments. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.

Chew-Graham C., Baldwin R., Burns A. (2008). Integrated Management of Depression in the Elderly. New York: Cambridge University Press.

Friedman E., Anderson I. (2010). Managing Depression in Clinical Practice. London: Springer-Verlag London Limited.

Hart A., Weber C. (2007). A Woman’s Guide to Overcoming Depression. USA: Baker Publishing Group.

Keyes C., Goodman S. (2006). Women and depression: a handbook for the social, behavioral, and biomedical Sciences. USA: Cambridge University Press.

Lafrance, M. (2009). Women and depression: recovery and resistance. USA: Routledge.

Nonacs, R. (2006). A Deeper Shade of Blue: A Woman’s Guide to Recognizing and Treating Depression. New York: Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Simonds, S. (2006). Depression and Women: An Integrative Treatment Approach. New York: Springer Publishing Company, Inc.

Srigley, K. (2010). Breadwinning Daughters: Young Working Women in a Depression- Era. Canada: University of Toronto Press.

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