What Causes Depression?
There is no one cause of depression. This illness tends to run
in families. Researchers have theorized that it is a
combination of a certain vulnerability due to hereditary
factors and environmental factors (physical illness or stress).
The combination of the two is thought to trigger an imbalance
in the brain’s chemistry, which leads to symptoms such as
feelings of hopelessness.
It is not clear whether the illness itself is caused by or
merely a symptom resulting from certain neurotransmitters being
out of balance. The three neurotransmitters involved are as
follows: dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. There are
several factors that can contribute to a person feeling this
way:
Hormones
Women experience the disorder at a far higher rate than men.
Researchers have put forward the theory that hormones are a
factor.
Heredity
Research has led to the discovery of several genes that may
lead to an individual being diagnosed with bipolar disorder
(manic depression). Scientists are now trying working to
determine what genes are linked to depression. It has been
difficult to determine what genes are responsible because
people with no family history of the disorder have become
depressed, while not everyone with a family history of
depression will, in fact, develop the disorder.
Stress and Illness
People living with a chronic illness are at increased risk of
becoming depressed. It can also be caused by having an
underactive thyroid. In some people, stressful life events,
such as a severe loss (death of a loved one, becoming
unemployed) have been known to trigger an episode.
Medications
Some prescribed medications, when used for a long period of
time, can also trigger the disorder in some patients. Some
examples of these medications are birth control pills, sleeping
pills, and high blood pressure medicines.
In addition, the use of alcohol, nicotine, or illegal
substances can also lead to a person becoming depressed
themselves. In the past, it was thought that patients living
with the condition were using these substances in an attempt to
self-medicate. It is now thought that the depression itself can
actually be triggered by the use of these items.
Recent Childbirth
Post-partum depression is a condition that effects some women
in the first few months after giving birth. It has been
estimated that one woman out of eight will develop some
symptoms of the condition. Women who have experienced pregnancy
loss (miscarriage or stillbirth) or adopted a child may also
develop symptoms, which include anxiety, loss of enjoyment of
life, feelings of guilt, and changes in appetite.
Getting Help
No matter what the underlying causes of depression, help is
available. Even though one underlying factor might be heredity,
it is important for the person experiencing symptoms to
understand that this is not his or her fault.
The treatment can involve medication, counseling, or a
combination of the two. It is very important for the person
involved to take as good care of him- or herself as they can.
This means eating properly, getting regular exercise, and
trying to get enough sleep.
The first stop on the road to recovery should be in the family
doctor’s office. He or she will be able to evaluate the
person’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment. When
talking with the doctor about symptoms, just tell it like it
is; the doctor has heard it all before. He or she will not be
surprised or shocked.
Some family doctors provide counseling for their patients,
while others will refer their patients to a therapist. Some
people being treated for depression find it helpful to keep a
journal or diary of their progress. By looking back over
previous entries, they will be encouraged to keep working on
their own recovery.
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