As women we are predisposed to depression largely because of the major hormonal changes our bodies go through at puberty, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause. Additionally some of us may be more prone because of our very nature as introverts or highly sensitive people. The deck is stacked against us.
Personally I’ve dealt with mild depression on and off throughout my life but it’s becoming more common the older I get. It’s hard to know how much hormones and my own “wiring” are influencing my mindset, but I do know that the “bleakness” feels like it was created by a thousand smaller “cuts” than one big thing. (For me these cuts include aging/health issues, the current political climate and frustrations with my business.)
Maybe you know how that is.
So what should I do? What should you do?
Counseling and medications may help and that’s what many medical websites suggest. I am not diminishing either of these as suitable aids to better mental health, but honestly, I don’t want either of them right now. I have gone to counseling in the past to help me through rough patches and some therapists were helpful, others not so much. As for drugs, that’s a no for me too. Most antidepressants come with a plethora of side effects that I don’t want to add to my life.
I am functioning, but under a cloud part of the time and easily irritated! So at this point I am looking to do more holistic options to improve my mood:
- Spending more time in nature.
- Journaling.
- Praying and meditating.
- Practicing gratitude.
- Talking with friends who will listen and not try to “fix” me.
- Cutting back on alcohol.
- Ramping up exercise.
- Cutting back on news and social media.
We’ll see how long it takes before I have less cloudy days! As a P.S. I encourage you to watch this vlog. I found it helpful.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to replace medical advice. Please seek the advice of a qualified medical professional.
Today's Women of Age 
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