Emotional Health - Genes Play Big Role in Female Depression

Emotional Health - Genes Play Big Role in Female Depression: "Genes Play Big Role in Female Depression
Published January 13, 2006

FRIDAY, Jan. 13 (HealthDay News) -- Women are more likely than men to inherit major depression from their parents, a U.S. study finds.
Researchers analyzed data from about 42,000 twins, and found that heritability of depression is 42 percent in women and about 29 percent in men. The study shows that genes contribute more strongly to the risk of depression in women, and that certain genetic factors may operate in one sex and not the other.
For example, there may be genes that alter the risk for depression in a woman's response to sex hormone cycles, particularly after childbirth. While these genes would affect a woman's risk for major depression, they wouldn't be a factor in men.
'Our work, together with colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, represents the largest epidemiological study of depression in twins done to date. In addition, it broadly replicates what has been shown by our earlier work using the Virginia Twin Registry,' study author Dr. Kenneth S. Kendler, a professor of psychiatry and human genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University, said in a prepared statement.
'In particular, we have shown that depression is a moderately heritable disorder, suggesting that genetic factors are important, but by no means overwhelming,' Kendler said.
The study appears in the January issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
More information
The National Mental Health Association has more about women and depression.
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Emotional Health Tips: Self-Care Tips After Surviving a Traumatic Event

Emotional Health Tips: Self-Care Tips After Surviving a Traumatic Event: "Self-Care Tips After Surviving a Traumatic Event

Having a hard time sleeping or concentrating at work? Mood swings, depression or sadness, and even physical symptoms are signs that you need help managing your stress as a result of a traumatic incident. There are several things you can do to help yourself:
Things to Remember When Trying to Understand Disaster Events
No one who sees a disaster is untouched by it.
It is normal to feel anxious about you and your family's safety.
Profound sadness, grief, and anger are normal reactions to an abnormal event.
Acknowledging our feelings helps us recover.
Focusing on our strengths and abilities will help you to heal.
Accepting help from community programs and resources is healthy.
We each have different needs and different ways of coping.
It is common to want to strike back at people who have caused great pain. However, nothing good is accomplished by hateful language or actions.
Ways to Ease the Stress
Talk with someone about your feelings � anger, sorrow, and other emotions � even though it may be difficult.
Don't hold yourself responsible for the disastrous event or be frustrated because you feel that you cannot help directly in the rescue work.
Take steps to promote your own physical and emotional healing by staying active in your daily life patterns or by adjusting them. This healthy outlook will help yourself and your family. (i.e. healthy eating, rest, exercise, relaxation, meditation.)
Maintain a normal household and daily routine, limiting demanding responsibilities of yourself and your family.
Spend tim"

AskMen.com : Surviving a breakup

AskMen.com : Surviving a breakup: "Recover From A Breakup... Quickly
By Curt Smith
Relationship Correspondent - Every 2nd Monday


PAGES: | 1 | 2 |


'The day you left me, I was stained with sorrow and sadness. My eyes were red with grief. You were a part of me, so when you left, I felt like I lost one of my lungs and breathing became harder. I had no clue as to how I would survive the next minute of my life without hearing your sweet voice, smelling your charming perfume or feeling the soft touch of your lips.
But now I'm cured, sterilized from your love and finally at peace. I no longer miss you and no longer love you. Yet I still wait for you my love, every minute that I live, every hour of the day, every day of the month and every month of the year.'
stuck in limbo

The message above is a perfect example of why it is so difficult to get over a breakup: not being able to let go of false hope. Most men are stuck in limbo with the idea that there might be a chance of getting back together with their women.
The result of such beliefs is a double-edged rejection sword. This person actually inflicts prolonged and repetitive pain. First comes the initial sting originating from the breakup itself. Then comes the gut-wrenching, heart-breaking hope that she will return, and eventually the realization that she does not regret leaving you -- and she is gone for good.
All this pain could be kept short and sweet if a man would just learn to accept the decision made by his 'new' ex-girlfriend and move on with his life. By waiting around and hoping, a man is trapping himself in an endless circle of torture.
you control the situation

A man cannot prevent his woman from leaving him, but he can definitely control the whole breakup situation. Some men make the whole experience a"