Depression is a serious mental illness that can cause a lot of pain and suffering for the person who is dealing with it. It can be very hard to deal with depression on your own, and that’s why it’s important to seek help if you think you might be suffering from it. In this article, we will discuss the top five causes of depression and what you can do about them.
If you think you might be depressed, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor or counsellor. Depression is a medical condition and there are treatments available that can help. Don’t suffer in silence, seek help today.
Here are the top five causes of depression:
Genetics
If you have a family member who has suffered from depression, you may be more likely to experience it yourself. This is because depression can be hereditary. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so you can seek help early if you start to experience them.
Brain Chemistry
Changes in brain chemistry can also cause depression. This may be due to an imbalance of certain chemicals, such as serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. If levels are low, it can cause feelings of sadness and despair.
People who abuse drugs or alcohol are also at increased risk for developing depression. This is because substance abuse can cause changes in brain chemistry. It can also lead to social isolation and financial problems, which can worsen the symptoms of depression.
Hormones
Changes in hormone levels can cause depressive symptoms. This is often seen in women who experience postpartum depression after giving birth. Women who are pregnant or going through menopause may be at increased risk for developing depression. This is because of the drastic hormonal changes that occur during these times.
Life Events
Stressful or traumatic life events can trigger depressive episodes. This could include things like the death of a loved one, going through a divorce, loss of job or financial problems. If you’ve experienced any major life changes recently, it’s important to be aware of the possibility that they may have triggered your depression.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions can cause or worsen depressive symptoms. These include thyroid problems, cancer, and chronic pain. If you have any chronic medical conditions, it’s important to be aware of the potential for them to cause or worsen depression.
Symptoms of Depression
There are a number of signs and symptoms of depression that you can look out for. Some of the most common ones include:
- Feeling sad, numb or empty all the time
- Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
- A lack of purpose and motivation
- Fatigue and low energy
- Problems sleeping
- Changes in appetite, often resulting in weight loss or gain
- Thoughts of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
If you think you might be suffering from depression or are currently undergoing lots of strain and emotional stress, please reach out for help. Talk to your doctor, call a health hotline, or see a therapist or counsellor. You don’t have to suffer alone. There is help available and you can get better.
