10 Tips For Women To Deal With Depression

There are various levels of depression, but what we know for sure is that all women are going to struggle with depression at some point in their lives.  Some women feel a bit down while some struggle to get out of bed.  Depression can leave you feeling seriously debilitated and make even the most simple of chores seem to be impossible.

Dr. Zainab Alazzawi, a gynaecologistin Sharjah, has studied women’s health extensively, and has some excellent tips on how to deal with general malaise and depression.

1.       Talk to People

There is no need to keep your depression a secret.  In fact, hiding your feelings can be detrimental to your health.  If you are feeling down, talk to a friend, a partner, a stranger or a doctor.  For a start, you will realise you are not alone.  And then, you will learn that there are things you can do that WILL HELP.  Your depression will get better.  Don’t be scared to talk about it.

2.  Know Which of Your Friends Has Your Back

Sometimes, when depressed, you just need someone to listen to you.  Or, if you don’t feel like talking, you just want someone who understands how you feel.  As per our first tip, don’t keep your feelings to yourself.  Surround yourself by people, or one person, who will always have your back, no matter what you are going through.

3.  See a Doctor

Dr. Zainab Alazzawi, the best gynaecologist in Sharjah, says that women who struggle with depression should see a health care professional.  Your depression could be caused by something chemical, in which case, you need medication.  It may be that you need a mood stabiliser.  Or you just need a doctor to reassure you.  Dr. Zainab meets women all the time, new moms, older moms, pregnant moms or trying-to-be pregnant moms, who are stressed and need a little help.  Chat to your doctor about your feelings.  There is no shame, and you may just need medication to get you through this patch.  Remember, your hormones may also be going wild, resulting in depression, so ask your doctor about this!

4.  Take a Walk

If you cannot get out of bed because you are so depressed then ‘taking a walk’ is not your answer!  But, try and exercise.  Fresh air is fabulous and walking clears the head, clears the brain and gets different endorphins excited.  You can walk as quickly or slowly as you want, but get outside.  And try and do this regularly. 

5.  Look at Your Sleep Patterns

You may find yourself so depressed that you cannot sleep at all, but Dr. Zainab Alazzawi says you may be getting the wrong kind of sleep.  As a best gynaecologist in Sharjah, Dr. Alazzawi sees many new moms whose babies are up all night.  Try and get a nap when your baby naps. And when you go to bed, leave all your screens in another room!  Listen to a meditation app before you go to bed. If you are exhausted, ask a friend or partner to look after your baby for a few hours while you catch up on sleep. 

6.  Leave the Sugar Out of Your Diet

Depression can be linked to a lot of different things - emotional turmoil, hormonal imbalances, grief, stress and more - including diet.  The worst thing for depression is sugar.  Sugar gives you a little high, and then you come crashing down.  You should try and eat well at all times, but if you are struggling with depression or moodiness, try get your vitamins and nutrients in order, eat protein, and get plenty of fruit and veg into your diet.  And no more fizzy drinks!

7.  Self-Care

Be kind to yourself.  Depression is real.  As a gynaecologist in Sharjah, Dr. Zainab Alazzawi sees women who are really hard on themselves.  It’s okay to have feelings that are not always happy.  Give yourself permission to be sad.  Cover yourself in a blanket, do a face mask, have a bubble bath. Do the things that make you feel good, it’s really important to practice self care.

8.  Inform Yourself

If you can acknowledge that you have depression, the important thing is that you recognize your feelings.  Read about depression. Ask your doctor about depression.  Arm yourself with knowledge so that when you are having an episode, you can recognize it and get help.

9.  Your Depression Will End

There are so many cures for depression.  In many instances, it will go away on its own.  It could be a two day thing, in which case a lot of sleep and a good walk may have you feeling better.  If it’s long term, your doctor will talk to you about medication.  Depression does end!

10.  Follow Your Heart

You will know if you need help.  If your heart is telling you to get help, do it.  There is no use in delaying.  Your doctor will help you!

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