Feeling underwater? Here’s why talking to your OBGYN about mental health can help
When you think about your OBGYN, you probably don’t think about mental health. It’s time to revise your thinking. Many women view the physicians at Athens OBGYN as their primary health care providers. Our physicians know how much you rely on us to care about you as a whole person, not just about your reproductive needs. Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression and anxiety, so talking to your OBGYN about mental health is a vital part of your health care.
Women’s hormonal changes can put them at risk of emotional health issues at various times of their lives, including adolescence, menopause, pregnancy and the postpartum period. In addition, infertility, endometriosis and other conditions can cause depression.
Our physicians screen for depression and anxiety at your annual appointment
Your well woman exam is about more than the traditional Pap smear and pelvic examination. During this visit, you talk about your overall health, your reproductive issues and your mental health. Our OBGYNs ask questions about your outlook, your relationships, and your home and work life, to determine whether or not you need help with your emotional well-being.
Talking to your OBGYN about mental health is the first step toward getting and feeling better. We can provide you with medication, talk to you about finding additional health professionals, and guide you through the steps you need to take to improve your quality of life.
Whatever stage of life you are in, talking to your OBGYN about mental health can help
From adolescence through the postmenopausal years, women’s lives are full of hormonal and life disruptions that can cause mental health issues.
- Adolescence – changing bodies, PMS, irregular periods, eating disorders, social problems
- Reproductive years – infertility problems, struggles with health issues such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Perimenopause, menopause and beyond – estrogen and progesterone rise, fall and dwindle, causing depression, anxiety and sleep issues
- Pregnancy and postpartum – women’s fluctuating hormones can cause depression and anxiety issues during and after pregnancy, including postpartum depression
Health problems and emotional issues, such as depression and anxiety, can go hand-in-hand
Talking to your OBGYN about mental health fills in vital pieces of your healthcare picture. For example, if you have a low sex drive or other sexual dysfunction issues, you may have underlying mental health problems. Your problems could be due to body image issues, relationship issues, your past sexual experiences, or issues such as depression.
Your health problems can also cause depression or other emotional issues. For example, women struggling with infertility issues, problems due to menopause, or other physical conditions can develop anxiety, depression or sleep issues. Mental and physical health affect each other.
Before, during and after pregnancy, our OBGYNs pay particular attention to mental health
From the time you get pregnant until weeks after your delivery, the physicians at Athens OBGYN monitor you for signs of mental health issues. Ensuring that you are getting the help you need is good for both you and your baby. Postpartum moms should always be aware that talking to your OBGYN about mental health is vital for your full recovery from childbirth. You should never hesitate to discuss whatever is on your mind with our physicians. We are compassionate, knowledgeable and treat every conversation as valuable and confidential. Contact us for an appointment.
