DEPRESSION AND ITS CAUSES

Depression is the experience of temporary feeling of sadness that we all pass through at different times in our lives. This condition affects a person’s body and mind. It has an impact on different aspects of our common life that includes eating, working, sleeping, relationships etc. People suffering from depression cannot force themselves to feel better. If not treated appropriately, their symptoms can continue for a long time.

Very effective treatments are available to help depressed persons. However, unfortunately only one-third of those patients actually receive treatment. People do not go for a treatment due to a variety of reasons. Some people believe that depression is the result of personal weakness or character flaw. However, this is not true. Like any other disease or any other medical condition, depression is an illness and a physician should treat it. Another main reason many people do not seek help for depression is that they do not recognize the signs and symptoms that something may be wrong.

Common Reasons of Depression

Some people have a clear sense of why they become depressed. Others do not. The most important thing to remember is that depression is not at all your fault. It is not a flaw in your character, this disease can affect anyone and regardless of the cause, there are many ways to treat it.

Below is a list of few things that can play a role in depression.

Biological disorder: It is still unknown exactly what happens in the brain when people are depressed. However, studies show that certain parts of the brain do not seem to be working normally.

Genetical disorder: Researchers say that if depression runs in your family, you have a higher chance of becoming depressed.

Gender: Studies show that women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may be a factor.

Age: Elderly people are at a higher risk of depression.

Health conditions: Conditions such as cancer, heart disease, chronic pain and many others increase your risk of suffering from depression.

Trauma and grief: Trauma, such as violence and physical or emotional abuse, whether it is early in life or more recent can trigger depression. So can grief after the death of a friend or loved one.

Changes and stressful events: It is not surprising that people might become depressed during stressful times, such as during a divorce. Yet even positive changes like getting married or starting a new career can sometimes trigger depression.

Loneliness: being alone and lack of social support also causes depression.

Symptoms of Depression

People suffering from depression can face different symptoms. Some will have many symptoms; others will have just a few. A list of most common symptoms is given below.

• Sadness or anxiety
• Decreased energy, fatigue
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Insomnia, oversleeping, or waking much earlier than usual
• Loss of weight or appetite, or vice-versa
• Feeling of hopelessness and pessimism
• Feeling of helplessness or guilt
• Thoughts of death and suicide
• Difficulty in concentrating or making decisions