The Startling Truth of Females Suffering From Mental Illness

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

Written by our editorial team.

Last Edited 4 years ago · 7 min read

Even though today’s culture wants to avoid making comparisons between men and women, and many are still feeling the effect of gender inequality, there are some things where the facts cannot be denied. Mental health and who suffers from mental illnesses are two such areas.

Gender is a primary determining factor of mental illness, as gender exposes the different power and control the women and men are able to have over the socioeconomic factors impacting their lives. In what has long been a male-dominated society, there is a perception that men maintain more control over things like social position, financial stability, status, and treatment by society. This is further supported by the research showing that women are more commonly diagnosed with mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and somatic complaints.

These disorders have become a serious public health crisis, but yet the rate of diagnosis and those seeking treatment are dismally low compared to the projections of those with the condition. It is estimated that one in three women suffer from one or more of these conditions.

Untreated vs Misdiagnosed

The dangers associated with leaving a mental health condition untreated are just as severe as receiving the wrong diagnosis and treatment protocol. While some females aren’t fully aware of the depth of their problem, others refuse to seek help from a physician. However, the statistics for physician responses to claims of mental health symptoms are more favorable towards women.

Women are more likely than men to receive a diagnosis of depression even when both genders receive similar scores on standardized analysis tools or share identical symptoms. Being a female also tends to lead to psychotropic prescription over their male counterparts, and women are the largest population being treated for PTSD given the increase in incidents of sexual violence and domestic abuse.

The fact that women are more willing to talk to a primary care physician about their mental health condition is comforting, yet without being redirected or encourage to speak to a mental health specialist, the true nature of their illness could be misdiagnosed.

Effects of Mental Illness

There are many things that mental illness can alter when it comes to enjoying your quality of life. The severity of the condition plays a significant role in this impact, but you should never consider your mental health something to take lightly. Take a diagnosis of depression. Even though it might seem to be a minor problem that comes and goes, the effects that it can have could be more long-term than you realize.

Sadness is often the most commonly recognized symptom of depression, but this is just a small part of it. Those who suffer aren’t able to cope with their emotions and withdraw from those around them. This can lead to feelings of emptiness or isolation, and it can affect even the strongest of relationships. Suffering from depression and negative effects on women's sexual health go hand in hand. The lack of emotional connection can impact the ability to make or even desire a physical connection. Your depression might contribute to feelings tiredness, create aches and pains, and cause problems with your libido. Relationships that don’t include intimacy and intercourse can suffer, and many don’t survive.

If you have been treated for mental illness or are taking medications, these can also impact your sex drive. In spite of potentially needing the intimacy to help you feel secure and loved when you are at your lowest, many of the prescriptions used to treat mental health conditions can stifle your libido and decrease your ability to feel satisfied or pleasure. If this is the situation, adding Scream Cream to your sexual activity can help give you the experience you desire. It helps increase stimulation and blood flow to the vagina, enhancing the sensations and ability to enjoy the moment. Improving your intimacy can help release other hormones that can help relieve stress and improve your emotional well-being.

Common Symptoms

Other areas affected by depression can include your social life, your career, your diet, your relationships, and your overall health. Consider the following symptoms:

• Anxiety, sadness, or an empty mood
• Experiencing hopelessness
• Irritability or having a short fuse
• Feeling worthless, helpless or harboring guilt
• Lack of energy or feeling fatigued
• Oversleeping, irregular sleeping patterns, or difficulty sleeping
• Disinterest in hobbies or pleasurable activities
• Trouble focusing or feelings of restlessness
• Talking or moving more slowly
• Appetite changes and weight gain or loss
• Thoughts of suicide or death

If you have experienced any of the symptoms persistently for two weeks or longer, you should talk to your primary care physician. Depression and mental health concerns should not be ignored. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed by your condition. Seek help and live your life to your fullest potential.

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your physician about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Nu Image Medical may not offer the medications or services mentioned in this article.