Most people with depression often describe it as a feeling of persistent “sad” thoughts. Being humans, it is normal to feel sad from time to time but it is important to note that when such feelings change the way you perform or pursue your daily activities, it needs to be highlighted and treated. Depression can affect your life in more ways than one, and so, talking to a therapist is the first step to take when facing any symptoms that correlate to depression.
PCOS and Depression
When you are diagnosed with PCOS, it can feel overwhelming and fear can take over your senses. Many women with PCOS feel frustrated and anxious about delays in their periods or weight gain. Their mood swings are often disregarded as just being hormonal whereas this can affect your overall well-being. To take care of your physical health, a balance in your mental health is also necessary.
Studies say that women with PCOS are more likely to experience anxiety and depression than in women without PCOS. While most researchers have not been able to find a link as to why depression occurs if you have PCOS, there can be several reasons for it and most of them stems from the fact that the symptoms of PCOS can be difficult to deal with.
Coping with PCOS and depression
Learn more, Learn right.
It is always good to know more about PCOS so that you can understand what it exactly entails and how it affects you. This can help you manage your overall well-being and reassures you that there is a silver lining to chase and get better.
However, there should be a sound balance between the information you read up and maintaining your anxiety about the whole situation. The knowledge you get through this journey should empower you and help you boost your confidence.
The mind-body connection
Daily physical activity and a nutritionally-rich diet is the ideal combo to combat your PCOS. With PCOS, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle to improve insulin resistance, maintain healthy weight, and manage the underlying hormonal imbalance. This can be done by consuming healthy and wholesome foods and performing regular physical activity.
Especially, exercising can help you by releasing feel-good hormones and improve your overall mental health.. Every PCOS journey is unique and hence you need to determine with your doctor which regimen works out the best for you. Fad diets, generic weight loss diets, herbal supplements are not the answer to PCOS – personalised, balanced nutrition is.
Talk it out
Even if you face the symptoms of depression while dealing with your PCOS, it is good to talk about it to a supportive loved one. This can make you feel more reassured and less isolated. Therapy is varied and every woman can choose what suits best for them.
Some women prefer joining support groups to talk about their hardships because that gives them a sense of not feeling lonely in their condition.
A few sessions of counselling can feel enough for a few and continued or regular sessions of therapy can benefit others. Support groups of women with PCOS can be a safe space to confide and talk about all the things that bother you about PCOS.
If a group setting seems daunting to you, you can also seek help by talking to a therapist who can help you cope with the symptoms differently.
PCOS Depression Treatment
Depression can look different in different people so the treatment should be personalised as well.
- For PCOS depression treatment, depending on the severity of your symptoms a psychiatrist or a psychologist can prescribe what’s the best course of action.
- Treatment for depression typically revolves around psychotherapy, medications, or both.
- In milder cases, treatment can first start with psychotherapy and then your doctor can add medications to the plan.
- In certain cases, brain stimulation treatment may be another treatment option.
If you are suffering from depression, it is important not to ignore the signs and prioritize your mental health always.
Remember that help is always available and should never hesitate to reach out to a professional who can help you handle the emotional challenges of PCOS.
Disclaimer: Content on Veera is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice given by a physician
