Causes of Depression
Depression can arise from a multitude of factors, such as genetic, environmental, psychological, and biochemical ones.
Risk factors for depression
A person is more likely to experience depression if they have trauma, significant life changes, stress, a family history of depression, physical illnesses (like diabetes, cancer, or Parkinson’s disease), or as a side effect of certain medications.
Diagnosis of major depression disorder
A minimum of two weeks must pass with some of these symptoms and signs being presented almost daily to be diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder:
Common symptoms of depression
The common symptoms of depression include.
- Persistent sadness,
- Hopelessness,
- Pessimism,
- Emptiness,
- Lack of energy,
- Feeling guilty or unworthy. The lack of interest or pleasure in pastimes,
- Alterations in appetite that result in either weight gain or loss,
- Slower speech, movement, or thought.
- Increased fidgeting
- Difficulty focusing, thinking coherently, or making decisions
- Suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, thoughts of death, or self-harming behavior
Lifestyle Practices to Alleviate Depression Symptoms
- Self-care. Practice stress-reduction techniques like tai chi or meditation. Get enough sleep, exercise, and eat a balanced diet. For the most part, adults require 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Refrain from using recreational drugs and alcohol, as these can exacerbate symptoms and complicate the treatment of depression.
- Educating family and friends about depression: They can assist you in identifying early indicators that your depression might be relapsing.
- Maintain your treatment regimen. Continue taking your medication and attending therapy sessions even after you feel better. Sudden medication discontinuation may result in withdrawal symptoms and a relapse of depression. If necessary, work with your physician to modify your medication or dosage to adhere to your treatment plan.
- Make modest, achievable goals: realistic goals to increase motivation and self-assurance. During the first stages of care, you might want to walk, have lunch with a friend, or make a bed. Gradually increase your goals as you get better.
- Identify the warning signs: Determine what triggers your depression, and if you notice any unusual changes in your feelings, thoughts, or behavior, speak with your doctor or a mental health professional. Keep a journal of your daily emotions, feelings, and reactions to identify trends and identify the things that lead to depression.
- Seek support. Maintaining relationships with people is crucial, especially during difficult times or periods, regardless of whether you receive support from family or a support group.
Risk Factors for Uterine Fibroids Among Black Women
Uterine fibroids (UFs) represent the most prevalent non-cancerous tumors among women of reproductive age. Symptomatic fibroids can lead to significant health issues and are the primary reason for hysterectomies in the United States and globally, contributing to substantial socioeconomic impacts and affecting over 70% of women of reproductive age (Langton et al., 2024). African American women tend to develop fibroids approximately 10 years earlier than White women in the US and bear a disproportionate health burden from these tumors
Black women experience UFs at higher rates, with an earlier onset, more severe symptoms, and faster disease progression compared to other groups.
According to Sithembinkosi Ndebele (2024), 85% of participants were non-Hispanic Blacks. Black participants had a higher likelihood of a UF diagnosis, and the following risk factors were reported contributing to the high prevalence of UFs in Black individuals:
- Socioeconomic Status: Lower socioeconomic status is reported to increase the rates of UFs.
- Adverse Environmental Exposures: Increased exposure to environmental pollutants is associated with a higher prevalence of UFs.
- Chronic Stress: Experiences that increase chronic stress are significant contributors.
Lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, closely tied to neighborhood characteristics, further influence UF prevalence. These factors include:
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A higher BMI correlates with a higher risk of UFs.
- Alcohol Use: Regular alcohol consumption is positively correlated with UF diagnosis.
- Income and Occupation: These factors influence access to healthy food and healthcare.
References
Langton, C. R., Harmon, Q. E., & Baird, D. D. (2024). Family History and Uterine Fibroid Development in Black and African American Women. JAMA Network Open, 7(4), e244185–e244185. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.4185
Sithembinkosi Ndebele, Turner, T., Liao, C., Briseis Aschebrook-Kilfoy, Randorf, N., Ahsan, H., Kunle Odunsi, & Obianuju Sandra Madueke-Laveaux. (2024). Uterine Fibroid Prevalence in a Predominantly Black, Chicago-Based Cohort. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health/International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(2), 222–222. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21020222
Marital Burnout: The impacts on health and wellbeing.
According to Jafari et al. (2021), marital Burnout refers to the distressing state of emotional, physical, and psychological exhaustion experienced by couple when they realize that, despite their sincere efforts, their relationship cannot fulfill their life’s purpose. This condition poses numerous challenges for the couple’s children and other family members. Over time, it erodes the love and connection between partners, gives rise to mental health issues, and sets the stage for both emotional and formal divorce. The extent of marital Burnout is influenced by the alignment between the couple’s expectations and the reality of their relationship. This phenomenon arises from a discrepancy between the expectations harbored by the couple. Studies suggest that the prevalence of marital Burnout tends to be higher among women than men. This disparity has been associated with significant repercussions, potentially affecting the well-being of the offspring of these women. The increased risk for women can be attributed to the heightened stress they endure, stemming from the numerous responsibilities they shoulder, including childcare, household duties, and employment both within and outside the home. As a result, women find themselves more vulnerable to the challenges posed by marital Burnout. In relationships where issues and conflicts persist, couples often display negative communication behaviors, with a deficiency in positive communication.
The Phases of Marital Burnout Include:
- Exhaustion, fatigue, persistent headaches, stomach discomfort, irregular sleep patterns, loss of appetite, and overindulgence characterize Physical Burnout.
- Emotional Burnout: Encompasses a range of emotions such as anger, dissatisfaction, melancholy, frustration, emptiness, lack of motivation, feeling stuck, absurdity, emotional turmoil, and even suicidal thoughts.
- Psychological Burnout: Involves manifestations like low self-esteem, a negative mindset toward one’s partner, feelings of hopelessness and irritation with them, and an awareness of personal shortcomings.
Reference
Jafari, A., Alami, A., Charoghchian, E., Delshad Noghabi, A., & Nejatian, M. (2021). The impact of effective communication skills training on the status of marital burnout among married women. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01372-8
Ways Domestic Violence Impacts Health and Wellbeing
According to Justice.gov, Domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior in which one partner uses the other as a means of gaining or retaining control over another intimate partner. Intimate partner relationships can involve physical, sexual, emotional, financial, psychological, or technological abuse of another person, as well as threats of abuse or other coercive behaviors. And it encompasses any actions that cause fear, terror, intimidation, isolation, coercion, threats, harm, injure, or wound someone.
Ways domestic violence impacts health and wellbeing
- Effects on Reproductive Health: Domestic violence can harm reproductive health, increasing the risk of gynecological issues, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies. An abusive partner’s control may also impair access to reproductive healthcare.
- Mental Health Concerns: Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and suicidal thoughts are closely linked to domestic violence. Emotional abuse and ongoing fear can have a lasting impact on mental health.
- Physical Injuries: Domestic abuse victims frequently sustain physical wounds, such as cuts and bruises, as well as more severe trauma, like broken bones or head injuries. These wounds might need medical attention and have immediate health effects.
- Seclusion and Social Disengagement: Isolation strategies are frequently used in domestic violence, which reduces a victim’s social network. Social disengagement can worsen mental health conditions and cause feelings of loneliness.
- Substance Abuse: Substance abuse is a coping strategy used by victims of domestic violence to dull their pain or cope with stress. Substance use disorders may result from this, further jeopardizing general health.
- Sleep disturbances: Living in an abusive environment can cause stress and fear, which can lead to sleep disturbances such as nightmares and insomnia. A further factor in both physical and mental health issues is inadequate sleep.
- Identity and Self-Esteem Problems: One’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem can be undermined by verbal and emotional abuse. Negative messages may be internalized by victims, which can cause long-term identity problems and make it difficult for them to build healthy relationships.
Seeking resources and support is essential for victims of domestic abuse to address the psychological and physical effects. To lessen the negative impact of domestic abuse on one’s health and to encourage recovery, professional assistance such as legal support and medical attention counseling—can be extremely helpful. It’s critical to get in touch with a local domestic violence hotline or support group if you or someone you know is a victim of domestic abuse.
For information to the domestic violence hotline, follow the link .https://www.justice.gov/ovw/domestic-violence
Stages of Marital Burnout
According to Jafari et al. (2021), Marital Burnout is the term used to describe the excruciating state of emotional, physical, and psychological tiredness that couples experience when they realize that, despite their best efforts, a relationship cannot and will not provide their life’s purpose. It causes many issues for the couple’s children and other family members and ultimately results in both emotional and formal divorce among couples. They will eventually weaken a couple’s love and bond, result in mental health issues, and pave the way for both emotional and formal divorce. The degree of marital Burnout is determined by how well the couple’s beliefs and reality align. It arises from a disparity between the expectations held by the couple and the actual reality they encounter. The incidence of marital Burnout appears to be higher among women than men, as indicated by studies. This phenomenon has been linked to severe consequences, potentially contributing to similar issues in the offspring of these women. The elevated risk in women can be attributed to the heightened stress they experience due to the multitude of responsibilities they bear, encompassing child-rearing, domestic tasks, and employment both within and outside the home. Consequently, women find themselves more susceptible to the challenges of marital Burnout.
Three stages of marital burnout.
Physical Burnout: Symptoms of physical Burnout include exhaustion, fatigue, persistent headaches, stomach
discomfort, irregular sleep patterns, appetite loss, and overindulging.
Emotional Burnout: Refers to a variety of emotions, including anger, dissatisfaction, melancholy, frustration,
emptiness, lack of motivation, feeling stuck, ridiculousness, emotional upheaval, and even suicidal thoughts.
Psychological Burnout: This describes low self-esteem, a negative mindset toward your partner, feelings of
hopelessness and annoyance with them, and your shortcomings.
Reference
Jafari, A., Alami, A., Charoghchian, E., Delshad Noghabi, A., & Nejatian, M. (2021). The impact of effective communication skills training on the status of marital burnout among married women. BMC Women’s Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-021-01372-8
Successful interventions for managing or reducing effects of Postpartum depression (PPD)
Postpartum depression (PPD) presents a significant public health concern, affecting not only the physical and mental well-being of mothers but also that of their infants. Research suggests that approximately 13 million women worldwide are diagnosed with PPD annually (Xu et al., 2023). Mild depressive symptoms are experienced by around 50% to 75% of mothers, with 10% to 15% developing postpartum depression within the first week after childbirth (Xu et al., 2023).
Understanding preventive measures to reduce its prevalence is very crucial.
1. Exercise intervention has proven effective in preventing PPD disorders. In a 12-week exercise intervention study, aerobic exercise was found to relieve postpartum depression symptoms in PPD patients. Engaging in suitable aerobic exercise during pregnancy has been reported to promote pelvic mobility and improve birth canal space to relieve maternal labor pain. However, it also aids in preventing pregnancy complications. Studies suggest that PPD symptoms may manifest during pregnancy, with a similar 12% occurrence rate of depression reported, which indicates that preventive measures during pregnancy may have a significant impact on reducing PPD (Xu et al., 2023).
Moreover, research indicates that the antidepressant effects of exercise can persist beyond the cessation of physical activity. Therefore, research suggested that incorporating aerobic exercise into prenatal care may substantially prevent PPD more than exercise as a postpartum treatment strategy.
Engaging in moderate exercise during pregnancy can reduce the likelihood of developing postpartum depression (PPD) among expectant mothers. Partaking in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week significantly enhances the efficacy of physical activity in preventing and treating PPD (Xu et al., 2023). Moderate aerobic exercise prompts the release of endorphins, which uplift mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, it helps regulate hormone levels, improve sleep quality, and enhance self-awareness and self-esteem, thereby positively influencing the mitigation of postpartum depression (Xu et al., 2023).
Also, social support plays a vital role in maintaining the mental well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, with supervised exercise and team-based exercise serving as effective avenues for providing such support. For instance,
• Team exercise fosters a positive environment for maternal emotional communication, and sharing maternal emotions enhances mothers’ childbirth knowledge and skills, reduces fear of labor pains, alleviates negative emotions, improves interpersonal communication, and enhances self-efficacy (Xu et al., 2023).
• Supervised exercise, which involves physical activities piloted and supervised by healthcare professionals or fitness trainers, ensuring that exercises are safe and suitable for individual pregnant and postpartum women. Participating in supervised exercise classes or programs also offers opportunities for social interaction, which is critical for mental well-being and can lighten feelings of isolation by connecting with other new mothers and professionals in a supportive setting (Xu et al., 2023).
2. Music therapy, when used as an adjunct to conventional psychotherapies, has been shown to improve physiological symptoms and effectively reduce negative emotions without any adverse side effects. It can positively impact and alleviate symptoms of PPD, offering a safe and affordable substitute to standard treatments. Music therapy is considered to reduce the need for pharmacological interventions during PPD treatment. Research has indicated that music therapy interventions such as music listening, improvisation, songwriting, singing, relaxation and meditation, and lyric analysis effectively reduce the risk of prolonged PPD and it can encourage strengths, empower individuals, and foster connections with themselves and others (Patch & Short, 2022).
References
Xu, H., Liu, R., Wang, X., & Yang, J. (2023). Effectiveness of aerobic exercise in the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression: Meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 18(11), e0287650–e0287650. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0287650
Patch, M. C., & Short, A. E. (2022). Addressing the “Baby Blues”: Developing a Music Therapy Model for Prevention and Treatment of Postpartum Depression. Australian Journal of Music Therapy, 33(2), 82–90. https://eds.p.ebscohost.com/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=10&sid=e5bc3ad9-8160-4ed8-bb4f-752141ecd9c5%40redis
Male Health and Prostate Diseases
The prostate is a small, walnut-sized, shaped organ below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The main functions are to create fluids for semen and force semen through the urethra during ejaculation. It is usual for the prostate to get larger as one age. Because of the location just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, also wrapping around the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, it means abnormal prostate conditions can affect urination and sexual function. The prostate is prone to three main conditions, which are Prostatitis, an infection or inflammation of the prostate gland; Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an aging-related enlargement of the prostate gland; Prostate cancer, the growth of cancerous cells inside the prostate, which may break out of the gland and affect other parts of the body.
Prostatitis
This is the inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland, and common causes include infection (usually bacteria), injury, or an immune system disorder. The symptoms may include the inability to urinate, Painful or difficult urination, and painful ejaculation, accompanied by fever, Blood in the urine (hematuria), and Severe discomfort or pain in the pelvic area or genitals.
The Risk factors for prostatitis include:
Previous prostatitis, Infection of the urinary or reproductive system, HIV infection or AIDS, Use of a tube inserted into the urethra to drain the bladder (urinary catheter), and Diagnostic sampling of prostate tissue (biopsy).
Laboratory tests for Prostatitis include Urinalysis, urine microscopy/culture/sensitivity, HIV, measurement of Prostatic specific antigen levels in the blood, Scan, etc.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The prostate will almost certainly get larger increasing age. A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 years of age. More than 90% of men over age 80 have the condition. It’s not clear why it happens, but it may be linked to the decline in the male sex hormone testosterone with aging. This enlargement is a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The key word is benign. BPH has nothing to do with cancer and doesn’t increase the risk of prostate cancer. It can make urination and ejaculation difficult because as the prostate grows, it presses on the urethra. That interferes with the flow of urine and the release of ejaculate during orgasm. In less than half of all men with BPH, symptoms may include dribbling at the end of urinating, Inability to urinate (urinary retention), Incomplete emptying of the bladder, Incontinence, needing to urinate two or more times per night, Pain with urination or bloody urine (these may indicate infection). Slowed or delayed the start of the urinary stream, straining to urinate, Strong and sudden urge to urinate, and Weak urine stream.
The Link between BPH and Sexual Problems
Scientists aren’t sure why, but they agree that the worse the BPH symptoms are, the more likely an individual is to have sexual issues such as reduced sex drive, trouble keeping an erection, and less sexual satisfaction. It may have something to do with genetics or age. It’s also possible that the sleeplessness or anxiety that can come from an enlarged prostate makes sexual problems worse.
Laboratory Test for BPH.
A digital rectal exam is usually done to feel the prostate gland. Urine flow rate is monitored, Urinalysis to check for blood or infection, Urine culture to check for infection, Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer, Cystoscopy, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine tests to check for reduced kidney function.
Risk Factors for BPH include;
- Age – symptoms start manifesting by age 50 to 60 in 60% of men.
- Unhealthy diet- daily consumption of a diet high in red or processed meat, saturated fats, and dairy products can increase your risk for prostate problems. Sodium (salt), Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea, and soda can also increase your risk due to being diuretics that increase urine production.
- Type 2 diabetes, poorly managed Hypertension, and other heart diseases, Smoking, obesity, and a Sedentary lifestyle are common risk factors.
- Prostatitis
- Family history/genetics
- Frequent Urinary Tract infection (UTI)
Prostate Cancer
Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue, in the case of prostate, abnormal prostate cells continue to grow until it has destroyed normal body tissues around and beyond the prostate. Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra). When this happens, one may notice things like increased need to pee, straining while peeing, a feeling that the bladder has not fully emptied. Causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However, certain things can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Risk factors for Prostate cancer include;
- Age: The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as one gets older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older. Prostate cancer risk begins to rise sharply after age 55 years and peaks at age 70–74, after which it starts to decline. For reasons not yet understood, prostate cancer is more common in black men and less common in Asian men.
- Men whose fathers or brothers were affected by prostate cancer are at slightly increased risk themselves.
- Other risk factors include Obesity, Smoking (increases steroid hormone production such as DHT, and estrogen), High levels of pesticides, excessive consumption of dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, lactose-free milk, and fortified soy milk and yogurt), excessive red meat consumption, Saturated fat, and Sedentary lifestyle.
Beneficial Foods to Eat
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, such as the Mediterranean diet, may benefit health. Salmon, rich in healthy fats that contain omega-3 fatty acids, helps prevent and reduce inflammation within the body, and other cold-water fish, such as sardines and trout, are also rich in these fats.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may benefit prostate gland cells. Cooking tomatoes, such as in tomato sauce or soup, helps to release the lycopene and make it more readily available to the body. Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are excellent sources of antioxidants, which help to remove free radicals from the body. Free radicals are the byproducts of reactions that occur within the body and can cause damage and disease such as concern over time.
Broccoli: Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, including bok choy, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, contain a chemical known as sulforaphane. This is thought to target cancer cells and promote a healthy prostate.
Nuts: Nuts are rich in zinc, a trace mineral. Zinc is found in high concentrations in the prostate and is thought to help balance testosterone and DHT. Besides nuts, shellfish and legumes are also high in zinc.
Citrus: Oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits are all high in vitamin C, which may help to protect the prostate gland.
All these are vital in addition to exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, such as brisk walking, Kegel exercise, and moderate strength training.
(Written by Ebenezer Dic-Ijiewere PhD.)
Four lifestyle changes to reduce the development of uterine fibroids (UFs)
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors found in women of reproductive age, with a disproportionate impact on women of color. These disparities are believed to be combined with environmental, genetic, and socio-economic factors.
Some of the lifestyle changes that can help prevent or reduce the development of uterine fibroids are;
- Decreasing Alcohol consumption: It’s advised that women decrease their alcohol consumption to reduce the risk of developing uterine fibroids (UFs). Studies have reported an association between alcohol intake and an increased likelihood of UFs (Somayeh Vafaei et al., 2024). Studies believe that alcohol may alter hormone levels and disrupt hormonal balance, contributing to the formation of UFs. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on unique health occurrences. By being mindful of alcohol consumption and adhering to recommended limits, proactive steps can be taken to lower the risk of UFs.
- Engage in at least four hours of vigorous physical activity per week: Research has found a significant association between an increased BMI and the risk of UFs. Obesity is believed to be a contributing factor to UF. Studies believe that women who engage in at least four hours of vigorous physical activity per week are more likely to encounter a decrease in the risk factors of UFs.
- Consuming more fruits, Vegetables, and dietary fibers: High intake of processed and refined foods, unhealthy fats, and sugary drinks, and low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods may contribute to hormonal imbalances, inflammation, and oxidative stress, thereby encouraging the growth of UFs as indicated in the research. Additionally, a lack of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods has been reported to be associated with an elevated risk of UFs. Fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich food are excellent sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation (Somayeh Vafaei et al., 2024). Specifically, Dietary fiber has been indicated to have protective impacts against UFs by supporting hormonal balance and improving regular bowel movements. Hence, adopting a healthy and balanced diet with whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential.
- Managing stress: Studies have found that chronic psychological stress could increase the risk of uterine fibroids and indicated a significant link between chronic psychological stress and an elevated risk of UFs, predominantly among non-Hispanic Black women (Somayeh Vafaei et al., 2024). Eating healthy, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, relaxing, connecting with friends and family, and practicing mindfulness are some ways to manage stress. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060807