Traffic jams, workloads, and household matters are some of the things that can cause a person to experience mental disorders.
According to research from the University of Oxford, England, women are 40 percent more prone to mental disorders than men.
Researchers suspect this is related to hormonal changes that women tend to experience.
Some types of mental disorders that more often afflict women, including the following.
1. Depression
Depression is a mental disorder that makes a person feel so sad that he is at his lowest point.
People who are depressed often feel hopeless, lose motivation and are not enthusiastic about carrying out daily activities. According to research, women are 75 percent more prone to depression than men.
Besides being influenced by hormonal factors, it is also caused by environmental factors. For example, the demand that working women also have to be housewives and take care of children at home.
Depression can get worse if not treated immediately. In fact, not infrequently some women feel that life is useless and ends with the desire to end life.
2. Anxiety Disorder
Research says again, women are 60 percent more likely to experience anxiety. Anxiety disorders are often found when women are 35–59 years old.
According to the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Abnormal Psychology, this happens because women tend to suppress the emotions they feel rather than express them outright.
Someone who has an anxiety disorder will experience symptoms such as excessive worry, anxiety, fear, difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly. Some women also become very alert and have trouble falling asleep at night.
3. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD is a mental disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event. For example, after experiencing sexual harassment, war, terrorist attacks, or serious accidents.
Compared to men, women are 10 percent more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD ( Post Traumatic Stress Disorder ). Because, some triggers, such as sexual harassment, are more experienced by women.
This mental disorder can make it difficult for women to carry out normal activities in society. Among others, such as lack of personal hygiene, behavioral disorders, memory disorders, impaired concentration, and impulse control disorders.
4. Baby Blues
More than 70 percent of mothers who have just given birth experience psychological disorders in the form of baby blues syndrome or postpartum depression. Baby blues syndrome is a mild form of mental changes experienced by new mothers.
The baby blues usually occur within a few days to two weeks after delivery. This condition is caused by drastic changes in the mother’s sleep pattern or activity after the baby is born.
The baby blues are characterized by feeling tired, sad for no apparent reason, and stress. Although mothers feel tired and sad, women who experience this syndrome can still take care of their children optimally.
If not treated properly, baby blues syndrome can progress to postpartum depression.
5. Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is the same as depression, but this condition can appear from the time of pregnancy to a year after giving birth.
Not only attacking the mother, this depression can also be experienced by the father or adoptive parents who did not give birth.
One in seven female populations in the world is found to have postpartum depression. This condition certainly greatly affects the mental health of mothers and babies born.
Mothers who are depressed will find it difficult to care for and breastfeed their babies. Women are more prone to mental disorders.
But the good news, this situation can be overcome in a few simple ways. For example, by asking for support from husband and family, taking a short break from things that trigger mental disorders, doing hobbies, getting enough rest, and always thinking positively.
Women are encouraged to always be vigilant and take care of their body and mind health carefully.
Adopt a healthy lifestyle right now and consult a doctor or psychiatrist if you feel you are experiencing symptoms that refer to one of the types of mental disorders above.
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