In a world where women can often feel lost, we are here to help you find your path

Although depression can and does impact anyone, there are certain types of depression that are very specific to women and consequently so is their treatment. At Angelus we understand how the different life stages can impact women and the extra support you may need adjusting through these. 

Pregnancy, the postpartum period, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle are all associated with dramatic physical and hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Changes that can be a catalyst for emotional distress and physical responses that may make you feel out of control and overwhelmed in trying to find a place of balance.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Most women are familiar with “PMS” or premenstrual syndrome. That wonderful moodiness and irritability in the weeks before menstruation is quite common and the symptoms are usually mild. Enough to throw off your mood and comfort level but not stop you from the normal process of your life. But there is a less common, more severe form of PMS called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) that can have a profound impact and effects between 3-8% of on menstruating women. PMDD is a serious condition with disabling symptoms such as irritability, anger, depressed mood, sadness, suicidal thoughts, appetite changes, bloating, breast tenderness, and joint or muscle pain.

Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression is depression during or after (postpartum) pregnancy. Perinatal depression is much more serious than the “baby blues.” The feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion that accompany perinatal depression may make it difficult to complete daily care activities for a new mom and/or her baby. During these times a mom may interpret her emotional and physical symptoms as a sign of failure that may further enhance feelings of depression. 

Perimenopausal Depression

Perimenopause (the transition into menopause) is a normal phase in a woman’s life that can feel life changing. In going through this stage, you might be experience abnormal periods, problems sleeping, mood swings, and hot flashes. But it is a myth that it is “normal” to feel depressed. If you are struggling with irritability, anxiety, sadness, or loss of enjoyment at the time of the menopause transition, you may be experiencing perimenopausal depression. This is NOT something that you just have to ‘deal with’, speaking to your medical doctor and/or seeking counseling for support through this stage can be a large step towards managing the emotional and physical elements of perimenopausal depression. 

Depression affects each woman differently.

Not every woman is going to experience periods of depression while going through these major life changes. But this isn’t a matter of worth or will. All women are built differently, with a 1000 different factors impacting how they feel, react and heal. Some women experiencing depression will have only a few symptoms, others will have a lot. As a woman, you are unique, and so will need to be your approach to treatment. We will sit down with you and explore factors influencing the intensity and impact of your depression and help you develop a plan to heal and move forward. 

Wake up each day and remind yourself why you matter! 

From the time of being a little girl playing with dolls, women are cultured to look forward to the day that they will be ‘real moms’. Society has structured that to be the expectation upon hitting a certain milestone age, getting married, or the natural ‘next step’ in our lives. However pregnancy is not such a simple next step for many people and the stress of the non-fulfillment of a wish for a child can have intense consequences on a woman and her relationships.

A person is considered ‘infertile’ (which sounds like a swear word) after trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant after one year.  This can include getting pregnant but miscarrying your child. This is something that impacts an estimated 10% of women and comes with repetitive doctors visits, invasive exams, ovulation monitoring, uncomfortable IVF procedures, timing of & regimentation of sex, excessive medical bills, social pressures, numerous prying questions, feelings of failure,  etc. The whole process can take a significant toll on a woman’s physical and mental health.

Common struggles with infertility include:

• Anger
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Marital problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Social isolation
• Stigma
• Sense of loss
• Diminished self-esteem

At Angleus your therapist can be your safe space to process through the full spectrum of emotions you are experiencing, and help you truly process the emotional toll infertility struggles can take.