Wendel Abel
Women, because of their unique roles as mothers, wives and caregivers, often face a number of mental health challenges. This is particularly so in many developing countries including those in the Caribbean and Latin America.
In the Caribbean, it is estimated that 40 per cent of households are headed by single females and this indicates that, in addition to their traditional roles, women have to also shoulder the responsibility of meeting the financial needs of their families.
Depression
Depression occurs twice as commonly in women as in men. Hormonal changes and the increased social demands which are made on women may place them at greater risk for this condition.
Common features of depression include a sad mood and many women when they are depressed may become very irritable. This irritability may interfere with interpersonal relationships. The woman may come across as being nagging and harassing to her husband. She may be very impatient towards her children and other persons in her care.
Other features of depression include a lack of energy and getting tired easily. Many persons when they are depressed may lose their appetite and this may be associated with weight loss. Other women when they are depressed may eat excessively and this may result in weight gain. Weight gain can be a devastating experience for women and this may affect their self-image and self-esteem.
Depression is often associated with a loss in desire for sex or lack of enjoyment in almost all activities including sex. Therefore, a woman who is depressed may have no desire for sex and this may put greater pressure on her relationship. In addition, the woman who is depressed may find that she cannot carry out her work in the usual manner and often feels overwhelmed.
So, the depressed woman may come across as being cold, always tearful, very irritable and sometimes irritating, one who may be gaining weight and not having any interest in sex. All of this is a recipe for disaster in any relationship.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
This is a condition that occurs after exposure to trauma such as domestic violence, rape, motor vehicle accidents and robbery. Persons suffering from this condition may experience flashbacks of the event, have nightmares or bad dreams, may experience severe anxiety symptoms such as racing of the heart, shortness of breath and dizzy feelings. Persons with this condition often avoid people, places and things that remind them of the trauma. This condition may be associated with difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
Grieving
As humans, we all go through grieving when we experience losses in our lives. Grieving may occur when an individual loses an object, a pet or a loved one. Grieving may be associated with sadness and denial. Many persons as they grieve may experience a lot of emotional reaction such as sadness, disbelief and denial.
As people experience grieving, we should remind them that it is a normal and natural reaction. Most people grieve for six months to two years but some people grieve for a lifetime. Apart from the regular losses in life, a woman may grieve over the loss of a child, after the death of her husband, children leaving home or having lost a job or having to face retirement.
Caregiver burnout
As pointed out earlier, women carry out many caregiving responsibilities. As they care for others, they often neglect their personal needs and are at increased risk for burnout.
Women who are at greater risk include those taking care of large families, older relatives or family members, a sick person or a family member with Alzheimer's disease. Women who also have to shuffle many roles such as breadwinners, mothers, wives and caregivers are also at risk for burnout.
If you (or someone you know) can relate to any of these conditions, kindly seek professional help. Remember, there is no good health without good mental health.
Dr Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and head, Section of Psychiatry, Dept of Community Health and Psychiatry, University of the West Indies; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
