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Friday, November 29, 2013

Depression

It happens to approximately 12 million U.S. women each year.

About one in eight women can expect to get it.

It occurs most frequently in women ages 25-44.

The “it” I am referring to is depression. Contrary to popular belief—depression is not a “normal part of being a woman,” nor is it a “female weakness.”

Much the same can be said about anxiety. It is true that all of us experience normal anxiety. However, when intense, constant fear invades someone’s life, it is anything but normal. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America reports that “women are twice as likely as men to suffer from anxiety.”

So why do women bear the brunt of these and other emotional issues? Consider these facts:

  • Multiple sources estimate that 250,000+ American women suffer abuse each year
  • 22 million women in the U.S. have been raped in their lifetime. (National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey 2010)
  • Women are 29% more likely to be poor (National Council for Research on Women)

The effects of violence, sexual abuse, poverty and other trauma suffered predominantly by women lead to: depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, substance abuse, sleep disturbances, eating disorders and other serious health concerns. Women come to Samaritan for help due to the psychological and emotional damage caused by these devastating conditions and more. According to Samaritan’s Clinical Director…“Women are still doing too much. They’re taking care of everyone but themselves, which leaves them depleted and exhausted. Additionally, many women are carrying around unresolved traumas from their past, afraid to ‘voice the wounds.’”

Hopefully, you are reading this blog because you are interested in learning more about mental and emotional health issues, counseling, or both. If you are a woman who is hurting inside and looking for a place to turn, please do not delay in getting help. Remember, getting help is a sign of courage, not weakness.

Take the first step toward defeating your fear: see a counselor and "voice your wounds."

Related topic: How you can help a hurting woman get the help she needs by becoming a Silent Samaritan.