A friend or family member is often the first to notice a negative change in a person’s behavior. Isolation, sadness, apathy, and so on could be indicators of depression. Oftentimes, people fail to recognize that they are depressed and believe that their feelings are normal. In this episode, Dr. Minni Malhotra speaks to the spouses, partners, and friends of women with PCOS-related depression to equip them with the knowledge and skills to help support their loved ones through tumultuous emotions. She advises on raising the topic, speaking to the depressed person, and how to encourage them on their journey to healing. The most important way that you can support someone who is depressed is by genuinely listening and trying to understand what they are going through. Tune in to learn more!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Learn how PCOS affects a women’s identity and mental health. 
• The complex reasons why women with PCOS have higher rates of depression and anxiety. 
• The host of negative effects that the symptoms of PCOS can have on women. 
• How factors like the loss of hair and acne can impact a woman’s anxiety levels. 
• Why depression is nothing to be ashamed of and cannot be left untreated. 
• Advice about raising the topic of depression and approaching it in the right way.
• Suggestions for non-invasive ways of treating depression. 
• The importance of encouraging those with depression to stick to their treatment plans. 
• The value of listening, being understanding, and providing positive reinforcement. 
• Including the person in fun activities and encouraging them to pursue spirituality. 

Tweetables:

“Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a stigmatizing condition that affects a woman's identity, mental health, and quality of life. They also experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than women in the general population. — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:01:32]

“People with depression may not recognize or acknowledge that they are depressed. They may not be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression, so they may think that their feelings are normal.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:04:43]

“Just listening and being understanding can be a powerful healing tool.” — Dr. Minni Malhotra [0:08:04] 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

National Alliance on Mental Illness

Institute for Functional Medicine

Dr. Minni Malhotra on LinkedIn

Dr. Minni Malhotra Email

Anchor Wellness Center

Discovery Call with Anchor Wellness Center