Archive for the ‘Causes of Depression’ Category

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Causes of Depression

This is one of those topics that people give close attention. It is actually empowering. When you know the causes of an illness, you are more self-aware. The power is in your hands at that point to be proactive.

Depression is an illness that mostly results from an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. These chemicals are called neurotransmitters. The ones affected are associated with neural pathways that control mood.

There isn’t just one cause for depression. In fact, finding a cause can be rather complex in its nature. Many of the causes that scientists and doctors have come up with are still being tested. Start with this list and follow up with your doctor for more in-depth information.

1. Heredity – Like other conditions such as alcoholism, you are at a greater risk if someone in your family also has the condition. Those with family members suffering from depression or who have succumbed to a depressive symptom (suicide) are more likely to develop depression according to the experts. They have not identified which types of depression that includes as yet.

2. Illness – There seems to be a correlation between illness and depression. This refers to prolonged illness like cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and heart disease. If you already have been exhibiting symptoms of depression before these illnesses your risk is greater.

3. Personality type – People who exhibit low self-esteem, poor body image, inability to handle stress, feelings of isolation and negative thinking are more likely to become depressed.

4. Nutritional deficiencies – What you eat is important. When your diet lacks vitamins and minerals instrumental in brain health, depression could become a reality in your future.

5. Medications – Some medications may have side effects that can lead you to depression. If you’ve ever read the list on the bottle, prolonged use of some can increase depressive symptoms.

Are you concerned that something in your life may be a cause for depression? You won’t know for sure unless you see a professional.

Depression – Being Aware Of The Condition…

Depression is an illness. As such, you may be at risk for it in your life. This doesn’t mean that you will develop depressive symptoms, but that you might want to increase your awareness of the condition.

Depression has been characterized as feeling the “blues” but that is not an accurate description. The “blues” can be chalked up to having a bad day or the aftermath of an argument. Neither of these situations has anything to do with depression. Once you have a pep talk or shake off the feeling, your mood and attitude returns to normal. With depression, it does not.

If you are a woman, guess what? You are more at risk for depression. No one knows why in particular. Women are prone to postpartum depression after giving birth. Since many women also chalk their feelings up to “the blues,” the number of depressed people of the female sex is probably higher that reported.

Another risk factor is socioeconomic status. It is believed that if you are poor, you are more likely to develop depression. That is not to say that everyone who is of below average means will also have this issue. There are other factors surrounding your financial status that play a part.

Substance abuse plays a part in developing many conditions not the least of which is depression. It could be the side effect of the drugs or the aftermath of getting clean when you realize how you have lived while abusing drugs. The term “drugs” here is not just illegal substances but also abuse of prescription medications such as narcotics and sleeping pills.

Now, we come to family history. You have a greater risk if someone in your family has suffered or is suffering from a depressive condition. But, that is not set in stone. Simply being aware of your risk can help you fight it.

Are you at risk? Talk to your family doctor to find out more and what you can do to help yourself.

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Symptoms Of Depression

People who may be suffering from depression actually show each and every kind of symptom doctors will tell you depressed people have. Sometimes it’s actually quite easy to overlook such symptoms, thinking they are just regular ‘blues’ or fatigue.

Here are some common examples of symptoms of depression:

Prolonged period of sadness or not feeling “up to it”. People who are always coming up with excuses to avoid activites they once enjoyed, or whom would much rather stay at home alone than do anything else is one of the prime symptoms of depression.

Feeling hopeless while having a pessimistic attitude about a variety of things is another common warning sign. When a person feels they having nothing to look forward to, or speak frequently in a negative view of themselves is also indicative of potential depression disorders.

Whenever a person feels guilty over everything, you have on your hands one very sad person who feels like he or she doesn’t deserve to be happy. Thus, the loss of self-worth comes into play. Perhaps the person in question feels as if he or she isn’t worthy of being happy or enjoying one’s self; a clear tell-tale symptom of depression.

If someone who once took interest or pleasure from hobbies or certain activities suddenly quits everything, this is not a very good sign. This could be yet another indicator that depression might be the culprit. This lack of interest in activites could also cause a variety of other health issues.

A person having trouble concentrating, having bad memory and is suddenly very indecisive can be another set of indicators of depression. Their lack of interest in regards to the outside world, or anything for that matter, can result in the depressed individual becoming very inattentive, and seemingly out of sorts.

While there are many other signs of depression, these simple indicators are enough to warrant a trip to a physician. Neglecting to receive medical attention for any type of depressive disorder can result in a variety of secondary health issues, and can be dangerous for the person in question.

Simply put, the answer to ‘Is it depression?’ should be clearly answered if negative feelings are eating at the mind and heart.