What Causes Depression?
Today, I am really excited to welcome my first guest blogger, Lou Farrell. I met Lou via a Twitter request for a guest blogger, you can find my blog for her here. I love her website and her blogs so asked her to return the favour!
This is hopefully the first of many guest blogs here on The Hive Mind.
What causes depression?
There is no single factor in the causes of depression. However, there are a few common traits in most cases, such as chemical imbalance, mood regulation difficulties and the genetic component. For some people, depression can be triggered by life events such as divorce, the death of a loved one, the birth of a child or a job loss. These events can cause depression, but not everyone who has a significant life event will exhibit the signs of depression.
Why Do Some People Get Depressed?
It begs the question, why do some people get depressed after a life event and others don’t. It is thought depression could have a genetic link, with 40% being attributed to it and the 60% to the life event and chemical or hormonal effects. The genetic factor could come from your parents or grandparents which predisposes you to depression. Although just because you have a predisposition to depression does not mean to say you will suffer from it. It can be avoided as best as possible with a healthy lifestyle full of good food and exercise outdoors. Sometimes it is not even the major event that causes it; that could be the last in a long list of problems that have built up to the situation. It could be you are in an unhappy relationship, and there are arguments, then your child gets in trouble at school, you might then have more arguments and begin to feel stressed. On top of that, you are made redundant, and the last thing is the thing that supposedly breaks you, but it is the build-up to the event which needs addressing.
What Other Factors Are There?
Depression can run in some families. As already noted, there is a genetic component to depression in many cases. But also a persons personality can impact on them being prone to the illness. They might have a negative character and be more socially withdrawn; they could be prone to low self-esteem and aspire to perfectionism, which is always a route to disappointment. You could also be diagnosed with a physical illness that causes you to become depressed because of the worry and concern regarding your physical health. You could also be diagnosed with a chronic mental health condition such as bipolar or schizophrenia and experience depression this way. Another outside influence could be the misuse of alcohol and drugs, which causes depression or exacerbates it. You may have started drinking because you were feeling down and needed a pick-me-up, and now it has gotten out of control, the same with drugs. Depression can be caused by overuse of either.
The Brain and Depression
Research is incomplete; scientists know that the brain regulates mood through neurotransmitters and nerve cell growth. But what they don’t know is how all these factors relate to depression. They can tell certain things through brain imaging, and they can track changes in the brain by the way it responds to tasks. This enables them to see which areas are affected by mood. It is believed the amygdala, the thalamus, and the hippocampus are all involved in depression.
Vitamin Levels
There is also vitamin levels to consider when it comes to depression; it is proven that low levels of Vitamin D and Iron can contribute to feeling depressed because they lower your energy levels. It could be that many people are feeling depressed when instead of antidepressants, all they need is to up their vitamin intake. This is why living a healthy outdoor lifestyle is more beneficial than an indoor sedentary one.
Giving Birth
Postnatal depression is relatively common after the birth of a child, and hormones play an extensive role in this form of depression. If left untreated, it can lead to psychosis and require hospital admission. It is also thought the pressure of becoming a new parent can affect some women, and their high expectations of being the perfect parent can lead to postnatal or postpartum depression.
What Is The Treatment For Depression?
It is not just antidepressants used for treating depression; therapy is also widely used and can be effective for mild to moderate depression. Some people with mild depression forego taking medication and opt for treatment instead, which is usually required along with some lifestyle changes to get them through depression. If antidepressants are needed, it can take several weeks for these to get to therapeutic levels. Many people at first believe the medicine is not working for them when it is just the time needed for the antidepressant to begin to work. Antidepressants work by balancing the neurotransmitters in your brain. Although no one is altogether one hundred per cent sure how they work, they know they do in most patients. Sometimes, one type of antidepressant does not work, and you may have to try several to find the perfect balance.
How is Depression Diagnosed?
Your doctor usually is the one who diagnoses depression, and they will ask you questions and may give you a form to fill out to discover where your mood lies. The form has various questions with a point scale attached, and the higher or lower your score will determine if you are feeling depressed. The doctor might suggest a therapy to you, usually counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy; some even suggest exercise as part of the prescription. If you are offered medication it will usually be at the lower end of the spectrum to see how you tolerate it. Always tell your doctor if you are experiencing adverse side effects.
In Summary
Depression is still an enigma, but scientists are getting closer to understanding all the factors involved. The key to improving depression is to live a healthy lifestyle and to take on board therapy which is recommended, and follow your doctor's guidance.
If you would like any further information on depression, Lou Farrell runs a mental health blog with various articles on depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Alongside these articles are self-help articles and the latest news on mental health. You can also follow Lou on Twitter and Instagram.
