WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEPRESSION?

Continued from last week…

Have you ever wondered what causes depression? Perhaps you have been wondering what the major cause of depression is, and that made you question why some people get depressed while others don’t.

Depression is an extremely complex disease. No one knows exactly what causes it, but it can occur for a variety of reasons. Some people experience depression during a serious medical illness. Others may have depression with life changes such as the death of a loved one. Still others have a family history of depression.

Those who do may experience depression and feel overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness for no known reason.

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following:

1. Abuse: Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to depression later in life.
2. Conflict: Depression in someone may be as a result of personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
3. Death or a loss: Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one may result to depression.
4. Genetics: A family history of depression may increase the risk. Though depression is a complex trait.
5. Major events: Even good events such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So also losing a job or source of income, economic problems, getting divorced, or breakup.
6. Some personal problems: Problems such as social isolation due to mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of depression.
7. Substance abuse: People with substance abuse problems also have depression. Drugs or alcohol will temporarily make you feel better, but ultimately will aggravate depression in a long run.
8. Serious illnesses: Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.

COMMON CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

Many factors can influence feelings of depression. The causes of depression are often tied to other elements of your health.

1. Family history: You’re at a higher risk of depression if you have a family history of mood disorder or depression.
2. Early childhood trauma: Some terrible events at childhood affect the way one’s body reacts to fear and stressful situations which may trigger depression.
3. Medical conditions: Certain conditions may put you at higher risk of depression, such as chronic illness, insomnia, chronic pain, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
4. Low self-esteem: Being self-critical can affect your risk of depression as well.

However, in many cases, healthcare providers are unable to determine what’s causing depression. But don’t ignore these symptoms of depression mentioned earlier. If your mood doesn’t improve or gets worse, seek medical attention immediately.

Share your experience, suggestions, thoughts etc with us in the comment section or via email. Don’t forget to share, like and follow me on all social media platforms.

Theresa Moses

Journalist <> Public Relations <> Publishing <> Brand Consultants <> Film/Documentary Production

Phone: ₊234-803-449-9132; E-mail: [email protected]; Instagram: allurabletessy; LinkedIn: Theresa Moses; Twitter: @moses_theresa; Facebook: Theresa Moses

To be continued next week… Don’t forget to like and follow me on all social media platforms.