10 Causes of Depression

 

It can be impossible to determine exactly what causes depression. The Mayo Clinic reports that the cause of a person’s depression may be attributed to a variety of reasons. Whether you consult with a psychologist Brisbane City residents recommend or read self-help books to discern what is at the root of your problem, there are certain to be many possible explanations for your depression.

1. Brain Biology

When it is time to consider explanations for depression, people tend to immediately turn their attention to the brain. Research scientists noticed differences in the biology of brains in mentally healthy people and those suffering from depression. One notable brain difference is that depressed people have a smaller hippocampus. What that means is there is less serotonin which is partially responsible for processing emotions.

The Mayo Clinic reports that neurotransmitters are chemicals that are likely linked to depression. These chemicals impact mood stability which can lead to depression symptoms.

2. Genetics

Depression tends to run in families which indicates a genetic component to be considered. Genes are responsible for producing the proteins that are involved in biological functions. In some cases, the genes may malfunction which can cause mood disorders, among other things.

Harvard Health Publishing reports that mood is controlled by many different genes. Researchers are hoping to determine the specific genes that cause depression or other mood disorders so they can better treat each individual’s case.

3. Being a Member of the Lesbian, Gay and Transexual Youth Community

While there has been notable progress for the LGBTQ community as more people are accepting of these alternative lifestyles, these minority groups are still more likely to suffer from depression. CDC reports that 29 percent of the LGBT youth tried to commit suicide in the previous 12 month period based on 2014 findings. As likely victims of bullying and sexual violence, it is not surprising that these traumas are linked to depression.

The statistics back up the extra stress that LGBTQ youth experience. CDC cites the 2015 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey statistics with 34 percent of these kids bullied while on school property and 28 percent victimized and bullied digitally. The survey also stated that 23 percent of those interviewed were attacked violently during a date. Feeling depressed after going through these struggles is understandable.

4. Death or a Loss

Not everyone falls into a state of depression when they experience loss. There are many types of loss that make people sad. The death of a loved one can be devastating. Other losses that are upsetting are the loss of a job or a pet. The loss of a spouse or a divorce can also trigger depression.

People are unique in the way they respond to difficult life challenges like loss. It is normal to miss a loved one. Clinical depression or thoughts of suicide are signs of clinical depression that go beyond a normal, and healthy sadness that is experienced by all people in these situations.

5. Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions can make a person more prone to depression. Heart disease is often linked with depression which can cause a slower recovery period or contribute to future heart problems.

Certain neurological health issues are also tied to mood disorders. Diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis are also known to contribute to depression. Cancer can also be added to the list.

Any health challenge accompanied by ongoing pain is also directly associated with depression. Since pain disrupts life and can negatively impact all areas of living including your relationships, it is no surprise that it can lead to feelings of depression.

6. Medications

WebMD reports a possible correlation between taking certain medications and mood disorders. Drugs in this category are barbiturates, Claravis, Absorica, Accutane, opioids, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergics. Additionally, some people who take beta-blockers for high blood pressure report feeling depressed.

7. Stressful Life Events

Stress definitely impacts mood. Marital problems, bad working conditions, and financial problems are all situations that can lead to depression. People who feel hopeless and stuck in these situations with no relief in sight are especially vulnerable.

8. Substance Abuse

There is a definite connection between substance abuse and depression. NCBI reports that people suffering from both of these problems is common. In fact, many physicians prescribe antidepressants for those recovering from substance abuse, since these two conditions coexist so often. A phrase often used to describe the relationship between substance abuse and depression is co-occurrence.

9. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

It is not uncommon for some unfortunate people to get the blues when the days grow shorter from normal seasonal changes. This onset of depression is a result of less sunshine and light. Fortunately, in this situation, there are some easy solutions. Light therapy can be used to get enough light to cure the problem.

More permanent solutions are to live in parts of the world where there is more sunlight and less rain. For example, choosing Florida over Alaska is a good choice if sunshine is what you need to feel better. Certain parts of the world are known for having longer days and more sun, so it is not that difficult to solve the problem.

10. Childhood Trauma

NCBI reports an irrefutable connection between childhood trauma and future bouts of depression in some people. NCBI reports the results of a German LAC Depression Study that found that 75.6 percent of chronically depressed participants had experienced significant childhood trauma. Essentially, emotional and sexual abuse during childhood is a strong predictor of adult depression

Conclusion

Depression is complicated. Ongoing research is necessary to better understand the causes and the best treatments. With so many people suffering from this condition, the medical community is laser-focused on answers.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851027/

https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4677006/

https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression

https://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/causes-depression#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007