Depression in Women

Depression in Women

This discussion will be on number 13 of the clinical checklist that requires counselors to look out for signs of depression, keeping in mind that women have the tendency to internalize problems, and maternal depression can significantly affect the well-being and behavior of children. Notably, women are usually overrepresented among individuals diagnosed with depression. Research shows that women there is a 70% higher risk of women experiencing major depressive episodes in their lifetime compared to men (Sue et al., 2022). Several stressors, such as unequal gender roles, sexual abuse, and perceived discrimination based on gender, particularly among those who fail to disclose their experiences to others, add to the higher prevalence of depression among women. Addressing the stressors that clients face, such as individual, cultural, and societal factors, is important. Counselors need to evaluate environmental factors like racism, sexism, abusive relationships, and poverty.

Women benefit mainly from psychoeducation on the power differential in society, unrealistic gender expectations, and the effect of such expectations on mood. Depression can be lessened when one identifies internalized stereotypes and connected self-defeating thoughts and replaces these with positive self-statements. Also, it is important to establish strong social support networks and locate sources of assistance with needs like childcare, health, and finances to help women with stressful life circumstances (Sue et al., 2022).

Evidence-based therapies that involve exposure to positive activities, improved skills in communication, assertiveness, social interaction facilitation, and identifying role conflicts can aid in lessening depressive symptoms among women and helping them find more satisfying relationships. Similarly, learning strategies that change self-critical, negative thoughts as well as negative self-biases can also lessen depressive symptoms. Counselors can use mindfulness strategies that involve a client’s calm awareness of present feelings, thoughts, and experiences and develop an acceptance attitude instead of being ruminative, evaluative, and judgmental to disrupt the negative thinking cycle.

Reference

Sue, D.W., Sue, D., Neville, H.A.,& Smith, L. (2022). Counseling the Culturally Diverse (9^th ed.). Wiley Professional Development (P&T).

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Among other considerations that we have reviewed, it is important to note that both male and female counselors should self-assess for possible sexist beliefs, assumptions, or behaviors and take care not to limit client growth by fostering traditional gender roles. Therapists should embrace and affirm the opportunity for each female client to choose the life path that is best for her. Problems identified by female clients should be viewed within a societal context in which devaluation of women is a pervasive occurrence; gender-based considerations should be understood as integral aspects of problem conceptualization and treatment planning. Guidelines for counselors working with female clients include the following (American Psychological Association, 2007; Szymanski, Carr, & Moffitt, 2011):.

Depression in Women

Remain aware of potential biases in the diagnosis and treatment of women.

Recognize that many counseling theories and practices are male-centered and may require
modifications when working with women. For example, cognitive-