Category: Counseling

Affordable online counseling for the LGBTQ community members.

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6 Signs of A Toxic Relationship

signs of a toxic-relationship

Do you think, you are in a toxic relationship? Actually, I have been giving online counseling for many years now. During the course of my interaction, I have noticed an extreme level of depression among the members of the LGBTQ community. Therefore, talking about that issue became so important to me. In my quest, I lent an ear to the people that I meet through these sessions. On this article I am going to highlight few red flags that are the signs of a toxic relationship. 

Based on my study and hands-on experience of working with the community members, I have noticed I can offer my absolute non-judgmental listening and my compassion. As a result, I learn about an aspect of LGBTQ relationships. These are some of the signs of a toxic relationship that queer people should be wary of when entering a relationship.

1. Is your partner looking for someone of opposite sex?

Ans. Nobody wants to live in a hostile environment with the vulnerable minority. It’s evolutionary to seek “safety in numbers”. We understand your need for a devoted and faithful partner, though, you can’t have that “dream partner” when you are just an “experience” for them! In order to fit-into the society if your partner is looking for someone of the opposite sex then you are just a disposable item for them.

2. Is your partner already in a steady relationship?

Ans. I have noticed many married people are scouting online for that particular kind of “experience”. They start scouting especially when their initial glittering coating of “blissful married life” is worn-out from their marriages. Though you will be just an experience for them, still they would never be honest enough to admit their true intention to you. As a mater of fact, when you enter a relationship with these kinds of people, they would expect utmost love, attention, intimacy, faithfulness from you. In return, they are never going to give any of these to you.

Now, if you are in such a relationship where your partner is already in a steady relationship then definitely they are not going to sacrifice their social security for you. It may sound brutal, but these kinds of people would only enjoy your ‘offerings’ for them without making little to no effort. Under such circumstances, once that ‘honeymoon period’ is over you are not going to gain anything out of that relationship except pain. I’d say you’re destined for misery when you’re in an extra-marital relationship with someone who wants the ‘best of both worlds’! 

3. Do they easily blend into society without any second thought about you?

Ans. Your partner may fulfill all the conditions of the society to be seen as “normal”, and perhaps you do not enjoy the same social status. I have seen many queer people treating their closeted partners like sidekicks, while their partners are maintaining that relationship faithfully yet secretly. These kinds of people generally prefer to hide their partners in public as if their orientation is tattooed on their forehead.

4. Is your partner after a threesome fantasy?

Ans. On many occasions, men and women worldwide join online sites to fulfill threesome fantasies for a partner they are committed to. Those with some degree of maturity will make their intentions clear, and won’t disturb unwilling people unnecessarily. However, there are a few young heterosexual couple as well who don’t mention things on purpose.

I can remember one particular incident where a queer woman I know narrowly escaped a situation like this. It was sheer luck and presence of mind. She was lured by a woman at her flat. After arriving at the spot she realized she had been trapped and isolated, and there were two people waiting for her. Not something she agreed to. However, she managed to escape the bedroom and locked herself inside the bathroom. She could not call the police because the perpetrators threatened her to expose her sexual orientation at a time when Section 377 was still in effect. So, she called her friends and they came at once to rescue her. Watch out for such red flags!

5. Is your partner over cautious about their social image?

Ans. Is your partner not even ready to introduce you to his friends as a partner as if your sexual orientation is written all over on your face?

When a person doesn’t want to be seen with tomboys, butches, or femme men, watch out. They want to maintain dual slates; one for themselves and another for society. The second one is as ‘clean’ as the autumn sky.

Generally, they want to hide their sexual orientation, so desperately, that they become extremely paranoid. I am sure nobody would like to be treated as a ‘forbidden activity’. You don’t want to be with someone who is basically ashamed of your presence.

Start respecting yourself first and stay away from all those kinds of people who are causing you harm. Living alone is a far better choice than living in an abusive relationship and emotional abuse can be equally unbearable. 

6. Do you think they won't choose you over their family and society?

Ans. If any of the above-mentioned points are applicable to your relationship, then no matter how hard you try your partner will always play to the whims of their family and society. A person once clearly said to someone else, “As long as it’s about a physical relationship, I am okay with you. But whenever it comes to spending life together, then definitely I will settle with someone who is ‘normal’ like me. I want a ‘normal’ life.” These kinds of people would never choose you over society and family. Therefore, never ever get into such a relationship where you will never get treated with dignity.

These are the clear toxic signs of a relationship that not only applicable to the queer society rather everyone should be wary of. These issues needed to be addressed at the beginning. We have been giving online counseling to members of the LGBTQ community since February 2019. So far we have gathered many such mind-numbing stories of suffering and we will be sharing those stories on this platform along with relationship hacks. Apart from that, we will also give you much-needed opportunities for freelancing with our another platform Remote Owls. 

Our sincere request to you if you can relate to these toxic signs of a relationship topic then please like, share, and comment on the blog. Also, participate in our programs and also refer the platform to others. Let us make this initiative a great success. Always remember TOGETHER WE GATHER MORE!

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1 Lesbian Marriage & 10 Most Common Homophobic Questions (with Answers)

Lesbian Marriage

How often do you go online to see a real-life lesbian marriage? How often do you search online for the presence of the LGBTQ community? How often do you notice homophobia in your day-to-day life? How often do you encounter homophobic questions in your day-to-day life? Actually, all these questions started hitting my mind very recently when I was watching a lesbian marriage video on YouTube. That was a viral video where two young Bengali women were getting married following Bengali rituals and customs. 

Now, I have a bad habit and that is browsing through the comment section of every video I watch on YouTube. And, as we all know, old habits die hard. Therefore, I could not resist checking out the comments on this video. In my observations, along with best wishes, I saw that many YouTube users had made homophobic remarks—more precisely I noticed numerous ‘homophobic questions’ on their lesbian marriage life. As I scrolled through I was able to detect the 10 most common homophobic questions among those comments, and I’ve decided to answer all of them by myself.

1. “What kind of future a girl can have with another girl or a man with another man?”

Ans. The exact similar kind of future, with the similar pros and cons, that a man can have with ‘another woman’ or a woman can have with ‘another man’. Nothing unique about it. A lesbian married life is not going to be unique by any means. They are going to have their own ups and downs and that would not be unique by any means.

2. “What would they ‘do’ together?”

Ans. The intention of that question is extremely demeaning, and should not be directed to any person! I am not going to stoop that low. I just have one sentence for the people asking this question, and that is “That’s none of your business”.

3. “Can they have kids?”

Ans. Even every heterosexual couple on this planet can’t be guaranteed that they will have kids! Since, heterosexuality is not the only condition for having a child.

In my life, I have seen many childless heterosexual couples and they are living happily. For many couples, it was a part of their well-thought-out future plan to not have a child and living lives on their own terms. On the contrary, in this modern era, if a same-sex couple wants to have kids, they can have it by many ways (thanks to science). Modern science is developing many ways to give child to the childless couples irrespective of their sexual orientation. 

Having children is a very personal decision that only the concerned couple should take by themselves without any interference from society. I actually believe this rule is applicable to every couple irrespective of their sexual orientation. Unfortunately, our society can’t help poking their noses into the lives of even heterosexual couples, which is extremely rude.

4. “Would society accept them?”

Ans. I am sure society is changing pretty fast and one day they will change their mindset towards homosexuality as well. That change might not come in one year or 10 years. But, gradually, it will come.

5. “Don’t you think it’s against our culture and religion?”

Ans. It was one of the most common questions of that lesbian marriage. Are you talking about Hinduism? Multiple prominent ancient Hindu texts like the Kama Sutra and Padma Purana, among others, mention the presence of homosexuality in society. In Hinduism, there was, traditionally and historically, a certain level of tolerance for homosexuality and it never denied the existence of ‘sexual minorities’ (as we call them today) in Indian society.

However, issue presently there are 4000+ known religions on this planet and thousands of unrecognized religions as well. Therefore, drawing conclusions via the route of religion would be a disastrous slippery slope.

On the other hand, let alone humans, homosexuality is common in many non-human species as well and scientists are finding new pieces of evidence even in modern days. That means homosexuality is a part of nature. If it’s a part of nature then we possibly can’t deny the fact that it is also a part of the culture. It has been right from the beginning.

6. “If everyone becomes homosexuals then who would procreate and what will be our future as species?”

Ans. Everyone isn’t going to become “a homosexual”. Throughout the history of humankind, there have been gay people and straight people. So, unless a gay zombie virus attacks the human race and changes everyone’s sexual orientation overnight, there’s nothing to worry about.

7. “Are we going to face ‘Qayamat’ (apocalypse) in near future?”

Ans. No, we are not. The union of two consenting adults is never going to bring ‘Qayamat’. Look around you, if war, rape, genocide, corruption, violence against women and children, the mass destruction of flora and fauna are not bringing ‘Qayamat‘ then gay marriage or lesbian marriage would also not going to bring apocalypse.

8. “Don’t you think that, it is a modern mental health crisis?”

Ans. In December 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of mental illnesses in the DSM-III. It’s not a mental health issue and that is a scientifically proven fact.

9. “If a girl can have sex with another girl then why not with an animal?”

Ans. Homosexuality and beastiality are two absolutely different things. Any sexual act is normal as long as it’s happening between two consenting adults. As far as I know, we can’t understand the language animals speak, hence it’s not possible to obtain their consent. If a person goes after an animal with sexual intent, it’s animal abuse in the same way that sex without consent is consider as r@pe.

10. “Don’t you think that they can change their choice?”

Ans. Homosexuality is not a choice. Nobody chooses to be a homosexual just as nobody chooses to be heterosexual. People mentally wired to be the way they are, sexual orientation included. The harsh reality is with modern science you can change your complexion but can not change your sexual orientation.

In this article, I have tried to answer the 10 most intriguing questions I’ve seen online, and I am sure there are many more homophobic questions roaming out there waiting to be answered. Well, I’ll be ready to answer those questions as well. 

My request to you please read the article and if you think it’s worth discussing then please like, comment, and share the article among our community members. Meanwhile, you can also participate in various programs we have designed for the LGBTQ community on our platform.

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How To Get Rid of Homosexuality?

get-rid-of-homosexuality

How to get rid of homosexuality? Yes, I can understand, perhaps one of the most difficult things in this world is accepting your own sexual orientation. It’s more important when you’re not straight, and it’s significantly difficult when you live in a homophobic society.

Thanks to social media, the awareness level has increased by manifold within a very short span of time. However, the harsh reality is that as a society we are still homophobic, and making jokes about homosexuality is as common as it is considered acceptable in our society. Personally, I feel ashamed when I see my fellow social workers (who are extremely vocal about the movement in public) show the same level of insensitivity towards queers  in private. 

Under such circumstances, there are many who try to ‘get rid of homosexuality’ following ridiculous suggestions acquired from various sources; and, according to me, those are not as effective. However, the most effective methods that I am going to suggest to you all are tested methods. Therefore, you can test these methods by yourself. However, I am not going to give any assurance regarding the success probabilities of these methods.

1. "Just Pretend You Are Not A Homosexual!"

The very first thing you can do is “just pretend you are straight”. They want you to do this not only in front of others; you have to learn the critical art of pretending to yourself. 

Now, it might sounds like a very effective method; but, it’s really short-term process of fixing up an issue. Eventually, you are going to accept the real ‘YOU’ that lives inside you. After all how long someone can lie to themselves?

2. "Insult Homosexuals!"

One of my client was bullied by her female cousin in her early 20s when she was struggling with her own sexual orientation. Her cousin used to whisper in her ear “LESBIANNNN” to make her uncomfortable during different family reunions.

I asked her, “Why did you share your personal feelings with someone who is not a trustworthy person at all?”

Her reply baffled me. She said her cousin had opened up about her own attraction to her (my client) first and so my client felt comfortable enough to open up as well. Later this cousin got involved with a man and tied the knot. Post her marriage the cousin thought she had the right to mock my client because marriage had ‘cured’ her sexual orientation.

However, that method was also short-lived; because, after 10 years of marriage, her cousin suddenly wanted to rekindle their relationship. Suddenly she was pretty supportive of the entire LGBTQ+ community. Now, what was the reason for that sudden change? Well, my client’s cousin realized she could not lie to herself or her husband anymore about her true sexual orientation. Presently, she is carrying the coffin of their marriage all alone.

3. "Date Someone of the Opposite Sex!"

Yes, thanks to societal pressure, many people who are attracted to the same sex (including bisexual and pansexual people) do date people of the opposite sex just to avoid revealing the truth. 

Now, the most adverse reality of dating like this is you are involving another person in your own mess. Continue the charade, and you will either have to get married or break someone else’s heart. I don’t know which one is more ‘convenient’.

4. "You Need A Psychologist!"

A pseudo-modern society will ask you to attend regular counselling sessions just to “cure” yourself. Personally, I know someone who went to a psychologist in her early 20’s to ‘change her sexual orientation’ and she was paying ₹1500 for each session. That counsellor promised her he could and would change her sexual orientation. There were many sessions. And guess what? She is in a live-in relationship with another girl and both of them are doing pretty well. Now all she wants is a refund from that psychologist.

5. "Go Consult A Psychiatrist!"

I can remember at least two incidents where a few clients of mine were so determined to deny their sexual orientation that, they even consulted a psychiatrist for medication. Yes. they did this to themselves.

Luckily the psychiatrist sent them to a psychologist, and after proper counselling, they were able to accept the truth. Presently, they are living much more peaceful lives with their inner truth. Yes, with their inner truth!

Psychotherapy

6. "You'll Be Cured If You Get Married!"

The most convenient step to ‘get rid of homosexuality’, is getting married.  Since, after marriage, no one will bother about your homosexuality.

I am not against that option but if you have to marry, then maybe marrying someone within the queer community will at least assure your safety in the bedroom. Of course, it does not mean you are immune to social pressure. After marriage, the next pressure your family will put on you is children!

7. "Have Babies!"

Counselling

Recently, one of my clients informed me that she is planning for a baby. Exactly two years back, she got married under family pressure and that was a ‘Marriage of Convenience’. In popular culture we prefer to call it as MOC. 

For her own convenience she chose a gay bottom as her husband. According to her own consideration, since her would be husband is a gay man, therefore she is confident about her own ‘safety’. Back then in order to silence her family marrying a ‘bottom gay’ was the most convenient path for her (a top lesbian). 

However, now after two years of marriage, under social pressure, she is planning to have a baby. She is not alone. I have heard of many such scenarios where it seems ‘convenient’ for a while.

Once you have a baby, then homophobic society will say, “CONGRATULATIONS! Finally, you got rid of your homosexuality!”

Well, actually you’ll have to suppress your sexual orientation for the sake of your children at least for the next twenty-five years. You have to live this lie now many more years to come. This type of marriage of convenience in the LGBTQ community is a reality.

8. "Avoid Life!"

Sometimes family pressure can hit the roof, and then ‘home sweet home’ can turn into a metaphorical ‘gas chamber’.

I recall the story of two individuals who found an ingenious way to avoid the family crisis, and that is to roam the city till midnight, spending as little time as possible at home. Now, I am not sure whether you can change the status of your sexual orientation by following that way; but, I am sure you will definitely change the status of your health and safety. Sadly, you will be put in a situation where you have to choose which one is more important for you. Your life or this society?

I have seen many such community members who jumped into an ocean of all kinds of addictive substances just to ‘get rid of’ homosexuality. I don’t know either about the success ratio of that method as well, however, by following this method you’re sure to get rid of your life this way. No life, no tension of sexual orientation. No more question – “How to get rid of homosexuality?”

 

Recently a client of mine told me about a new drug that she has been taking. She introduced that drug to me as the ‘younger brother of Cocaine’. I was shocked and unable to comprehend this ‘escape route’.

The pressure to ‘be normal’ can become so much, and I have witnessed many such instances where queer people have, as a result, attempted to take their own lives. If you succeed in your attempt, then you shatter your near and dear ones. And if you don’t then you have to face everyone around you for the rest of your life. I don’t know which one is worse.

Our society can be so insensitive it can extract fun out of anyone’s misery. One woman I knew, attempted suicide by consuming phenyl. Overnight, people started to call her ‘Phenyl Aunty’. Yes, this is our society.

I am sure you have a fertile brain and you can come up with some more unique ideas. Therefore, I would urge you to come up with some ingenious ideas. If you feel that blog is worth reading then please like, share, and comment on the blog on the different social media platforms. 

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10 Major Signs Of Treatment-Resistant Depression

Major-Signs-Of-Treatment-Resistant-Depression

Depression is a pervasive mental health condition that affects millions worldwide, with a significant portion of individuals experiencing relief through therapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, for some, depression persists despite various treatment attempts, leading to what is known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). In this blog, we’ll explore the ten major signs of Treatment-Resistant Depression, backed by compelling data, research findings, and poignant case studies, aiming to shed light on this complex and often misunderstood aspect of mental health.

What Is Treatment-Resistant Depression?

Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) refers to a condition where individuals diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) do not adequately respond to standard antidepressant treatments. Despite receiving appropriate doses of antidepressants for a sufficient duration, symptoms persist or return. TRD poses significant challenges in management, often leading to prolonged suffering and impaired functioning. 

Causes of TRD can vary and may include biological factors, such as genetic predisposition or neurochemical imbalances, as well as environmental factors, such as stress or trauma. Treatment options for TRD extend beyond conventional antidepressants and may involve alternative medications, psychotherapy modalities like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), or even experimental treatments like ketamine infusion therapy. Comprehensive evaluation and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers are essential to explore suitable interventions and improve outcomes for individuals grappling with TRD. 

10 Major Signs Of Treatment-Resistant Depression:

Persistent Symptoms Despite Treatment:

One of the hallmark signs of treatment-resistant depression is the persistence of depressive symptoms despite undergoing multiple treatment modalities, including psychotherapy, antidepressant medication, or other interventions. These symptoms may include persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, and feelings of hopelessness.

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, approximately one-third of individuals with depression do not respond adequately to first-line antidepressant treatment, highlighting the prevalence of treatment resistance.

Recurrent Episodes of Depression:

Individuals with TRD often experience recurrent episodes of depression, characterized by periods of remission followed by relapse despite ongoing treatment efforts. This cyclic pattern of remission and recurrence can significantly impact the quality of life and functional impairment.

A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that individuals with TRD are more likely to experience recurrent depressive episodes compared to those who respond to treatment.

Severe Functional Impairment:

TRD is associated with severe and debilitating symptoms of depression, including persistent sadness, profound feelings of worthlessness, and suicidal ideation. These symptoms can significantly impair daily functioning, work performance, and interpersonal relationships.

Radhika (name changed), a young professional in her early 40s, struggled with TRD for years. She experiencing profound feelings of hopelessness and despair despite undergoing various treatment modalities. Her symptoms not only affected her work performance but also strained her relationships with family and friends.

Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders:

Individuals with TRD often have co-occurring mental health disorders, such as anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, or personality disorders. These comorbid conditions can complicate treatment outcomes and contribute to the severity and chronicity of depressive symptoms.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that approximately 60-70% of individuals with TRD have at least one comorbid psychiatric disorder, underscoring the complexity of treatment management.

Poor Response to Multiple Antidepressants:

One of the defining features of TRD is a poor response to multiple trials of antidepressant medication, including different classes and combinations of medications. Despite adequate dosing and duration of treatment, individuals may experience minimal improvement in depressive symptoms or intolerable side effects.

A systematic review published in CNS Drugs found that approximately 30-40% of individuals with depression do not respond to two or more antidepressant trials, indicating the prevalence of treatment resistance.

Intolerance to Medication Side Effects:

Individuals with TRD may experience intolerable side effects from antidepressant medication, leading to treatment discontinuation or non-adherence. Common side effects may include weight gain, sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal disturbances, or cognitive impairment.

David (name changed), a middle-aged man, experienced severe sexual dysfunction as a side effect of his antidepressant medication, leading to significant distress and reluctance to continue treatment despite ongoing depressive symptoms.

Resistance to Psychotherapy:

While psychotherapy is an essential component of depression treatment, individuals with TRD may exhibit resistance to traditional therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy (IPT). This resistance may stem from deep-seated beliefs, interpersonal difficulties, or a lack of response to therapeutic interventions.

A meta-analysis published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that approximately 30-40% of individuals with depression do not respond to psychotherapy, highlighting the need for alternative treatment strategies.

Neurobiological Factors:

TRD is associated with various neurobiological factors that may contribute to treatment resistance, including alterations in neurotransmitter function, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and structural changes in the brain. These factors can impact the efficacy of antidepressant medications and psychotherapeutic interventions.

Neuroimaging studies have identified structural and functional abnormalities in brain regions implicated in mood regulation, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, in individuals with TRD.

Medical Comorbidities and Treatment Interactions:

Individuals with TRD may have coexisting medical conditions, such as chronic pain, cardiovascular disease, or autoimmune disorders, which can complicate treatment outcomes and interact with antidepressant medications. Additionally, certain medications used to manage medical comorbidities may exacerbate depressive symptoms or interfere with antidepressant efficacy.

Sanjana (name changed), a middle-aged woman with TRD, struggled to find an effective treatment regimen due to interactions between her antidepressant medication and medications prescribed for her chronic pain condition. These interactions led to worsening depressive symptoms and treatment discontinuation.

Resistance to Augmentation Strategies:

In cases where initial treatment approaches are ineffective, augmentation strategies may be employed to enhance antidepressant efficacy. However, individuals with TRD may exhibit resistance to augmentation strategies, including the addition of lithium, antipsychotic medications, or other pharmacological agents.

A meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that approximately 30-40% of individuals with TRD do not respond to augmentation strategies, highlighting the challenges in managing treatment-resistant depression.

Treatment-resistant depression is a complex and challenging condition characterized by persistent depressive symptoms despite multiple treatment attempts. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of TRD and understanding its underlying mechanisms, clinicians and individuals with depression can work together to explore alternative treatment options and improve outcomes. If you or someone you know is experiencing one or more afore mentioned signs of Treatment-Resistant Depression, it’s essential to seek professional mental health help and explore comprehensive treatment approaches tailored to individual needs.

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10 Major Symptoms Of Depression In Women

Major-Symptoms-Of-Depression-In-Women
Major-Symptoms-Of-Depression-In-Women

Depression is a multifaceted mental health condition that affects millions worldwide, with women being disproportionately affected. Despite its prevalence, depression in women often remains misunderstood or overlooked due to societal stigmas and misconceptions. In this blog, we’ll explore the ten major symptoms of depression in women, backed by compelling data, research findings, and poignant case studies, aiming to dismantle stereotypes and foster greater awareness and understanding of women’s mental health struggles.

Persistent Tearfulness:

One of the hallmark symptoms of depression in women is persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or tearfulness. While everyone experiences sadness occasionally, prolonged and unexplained bouts of melancholy may indicate underlying depression. According to the World Health Organization, women are almost twice as likely as men to experience depression, with hormonal fluctuations, societal pressures, and psychosocial factors contributing to this disparity.

Disinterest in Activities:

Depression often robs women of interest in activities they once found pleasurable or fulfilling. Whether it’s hobbies, socializing, or work-related pursuits, a pervasive sense of apathy and disinterest may set in. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that women with depression are more likely to experience anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure from activities they previously enjoyed, compared to men.

Changes in Appetite & Weight:

Depression can significantly impact appetite and eating habits in women. While some may experience increased cravings and weight gain, others may lose their appetite and exhibit significant weight loss. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that changes in appetite and weight are common symptoms of depression in women, affecting approximately 70% of individuals with the condition.

Fatigue & Sleep Disturbances:

Fatigue and sleep disturbances, including insomnia or hypersomnia, are prevalent symptoms of depression in women. Despite ample rest, women may still experience persistent feelings of exhaustion and lethargy. Sujata (name changed), a young professional, struggled with chronic insomnia and daytime fatigue for months, impacting her productivity and quality of life. Despite her efforts to maintain a healthy sleep routine, she found herself trapped in a cycle of sleeplessness and exhaustion, exacerbating her depressive symptoms.

Feelings of Guilt or Worthlessness:

Women with depression often experience overwhelming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-criticism, regardless of their actual achievements or circumstances. These negative self-perceptions can further exacerbate feelings of despair and hopelessness. A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that women with depression exhibit higher levels of self-criticism and rumination compared to men, contributing to the maintenance of depressive symptoms.

Difficulty Concentrating & Indecisions:

Depression can impair cognitive function in women, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory retention, and decision-making. This can impact various aspects of life, including work performance, academic achievement, and interpersonal relationships. A study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry found that women with depression are more likely to experience cognitive deficits, particularly in tasks requiring sustained attention and executive function, compared to men.

Physical Aches & Pains:

Depression often manifests as physical symptoms in women, including headaches, backaches, muscle tension, and gastrointestinal disturbances. These somatic complaints may coexist with or precede psychological symptoms, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. Era (Name Changed), a middle-aged mother in her mid-50s, frequently complained of migraines and unexplained body aches, leading to numerous visits to medical specialists. Despite undergoing extensive tests and treatments, Era’s symptoms persisted until she sought therapy for her underlying depression.

Irritability & Mood Swings:

While depression is commonly associated with sadness, women may also experience heightened irritability, mood swings, or emotional volatility. These mood disturbances can strain relationships and exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that women with depression are more likely to report symptoms of irritability and mood lability compared to men. Depressed women may exhibit externalizing behaviors such as anger or aggression.

Social Withdrawal:

Depression often leads women to withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves from friends, family, and support networks. Feelings of shame, inadequacy, or fear of being a burden may contribute to social withdrawal and avoidance. A survey conducted by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that women are more likely than men to report feelings of social isolation and loneliness as a result of depression.

Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors:

Perhaps the most alarming symptom of severe depression is the presence of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Women, in particular, are at a higher risk of suicidal ideation and attempts, highlighting the urgent need for early intervention and support. Jamuna (Name Changed), a college student, struggled with debilitating depression and overwhelming feelings of despair. Despite her outward success and academic achievements, she harbored thoughts of suicide, feeling trapped in a cycle of emotional pain and hopelessness.

Depression is a complex and multifaceted condition that can manifest differently in women compared to men. By recognizing the diverse symptoms of depression in women and challenging societal stigmas, we can foster greater empathy, understanding, and support for those struggling with this debilitating mental health disorder. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, remember that affordable mental health therapy for chronic depression is available, and seeking support is a courageous step towards healing and recovery.