Did you know that housewives are vulnerable to depression? Depression among housewives is a prevalent issue, yet not everyone is aware of it. Many housewives experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, loss of identity, and deep sadness. There are numerous factors contributing to depression among stay-at-home moms.

Causes of depression in housewives

Depression in housewives usually happens in most mothers who spend most of their time at home taking care of the family and do not pursue a career outside the home. Being a housewife is a role that is susceptible to stress or depression. These moms are vulnerable to feelings of isolation because they lack opportunities to interact with other adults and are primarily confined to their homes. Additionally, there is still stigma attached to stay-at-home moms.

In society, the role of a housewife is often associated with taking care of the family, managing the household, and ensuring the needs of all family members are met. Household chores are often seen as routine tasks that are easily accomplished, leading to the undervaluation of their roles. In reality, housewives almost always have ongoing tasks at home and are unable to take breaks or request "sick leave" from being moms.

Furthermore, housewives typically do not work outside the home and do not have a steady income, leading to their being perceived as unproductive economically. Besides this stigma, housewives are still expected to fulfill other roles, often neglecting their own self-care and hobbies. Many moms end up feeling like they have to be perfect and cannot complain about the frustrations and challenges they experience.

Being a housewife can also lead to a sense of social isolation as they spend more time with their children. For women who previously had careers and then chose to become housewives, they may feel a loss of identity that affects their self-fulfillment.

These factors can trigger depression among housewives. The causes of depression in housewives include:

• Changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain
• Stress, lack of support from others, or trauma due to changing circumstances
• Changes in hormone levels due to pregnancy and childbirth

Signs of depression in housewives

The signs of depression experienced can vary from one mom to another. They may feel guilty for being stressed around their children or family, or they may feel like they are not doing enough for their family. These feelings are commonly encountered. Some common signs of depression in stay-at-home moms include:

• Persistent sadness
• Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
• Easily getting irritated or frustrated
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies
• Loss of purpose or identity, feeling like they exist only to care for others
• Difficulty concentrating on specific tasks
• Unplanned changes in weight or appetite
• Sleep problems, such as oversleeping or insomnia
• Low energy or feeling tired (burnout) all the time
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
• Thoughts of suicide or not wanting to be in this world

Management of depression in housewives

Although it can trigger depression, being a housewife is a role that can bring joy to a mother. If a mother's depression symptoms persist for an extended period of time and begin to interfere with her life, she should seek treatment from a doctor or psychologist. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of preventing the depression from worsening.

Depression can be treated with a variety of approaches, including antidepressant medications and cognitive behavioral therapy. Mothers are also encouraged to practice self-care, such as eating healthy foods, getting enough sleep, engaging in relaxation exercises, effectively managing stress, and making time to socialize with others.

Being a housewife is not easy. If you experience symptoms of stress or depression, it's best to talk to your partner and consult a doctor.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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