Reasons For Depression
No one knows the exact cause of depression but doctors have found an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brains of patients with depression. Not finding a similar imbalance in those who do not suffer from depression, they theorize that it’s one of the many causes of the disease. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that carry signals from the brain to the nerves; when a shortage or excess of these occur, the body is thrown out of balance and depression is often one result.
We all know that trauma and stress upsets us, but it often leads to depression, too. Loss of a relationship, death of a loved one, financial problems and even joyous occasions such as getting married or starting a new job can lead to depression! Family history is thought to be a factor, too. Doctors often see patients whose families have been afflicted with depression for several generations. Depression often strikes people who have physical illnesses such as cancer, HIV or chronic pain conditions. It’s little wonder they’re depressed but adding insult to injury, depression weakens the immune system as well as reducing a person’s tolerance to pain.
Ironically, many people develop depression due to the very medications they need to take for illnesses or injuries. And it’s been found in recent years that some of the most popular anti-depressants actually induce suicidal tendencies. Doctors are beginning to take detailed physical histories before prescribing such drugs in an attempt to reduce such incidents.
One of the most difficult cycles of depression, though, is one that begins with chemical depression and leads to substance abuse or eating disorders. Rather than relieving depression, substances such as alcohol or stimulants can deepen the condition despite providing short-term relief. They further upset the brain’s chemical balance, deepening the depressive condition. This can often lead to addiction, spurred by a fruitless quest for the temporary relief that requires more and more alcohol, cocaine, marijuana or over the counter stimulants.
People with low self-esteem are often stricken with depression, developing a negative outlook, or pessimism. It’s thought that these two symptoms may be caused by a type of low-level depression called Dysthymia, a subtle condition that is often difficult to diagnose and seems to appear relatively early in life.
Depression is sometimes difficult to treat but getting help for it is essential. Thorough physical examinations are just as important as psychological evaluations and many conscientious physicians perform both before making a diagnosis.
