Depression is a complex mood disorder that affects each of us differently depending on life circumstances, environment, and personal choices. Generally, this mental health issue makes victims feel lonely, hopeless and sad.
No single cause of depression exists, but many factors can trigger it. Some people experience depressive episodes because of serious medical conditions, and others may have depression due to financial losses. Whatever the reason, depression badly affects an individual’s mental and physical well-being.
According to studies, depression weakens the immune system and increases the odds of cardiac events by three times. But fortunately, treatment is available. Many people found depression counseling in Chicago and other cities of the US effective in coping with stress, anxiety and negative feelings.
Keep reading to know eight possible causes of depression.
Medical Condition
Depression can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, like thyroid or epilepsy. If you have severe symptoms that interfere with your daily life, consult your doctor immediately.
Stressful Events
Stressful events that occur outside of work or school can lead to feelings of stress and loneliness, which can contribute to depression symptoms if they go untreated. Examples include relationship problems and family conflicts, financial setbacks and job loss, death of a loved one or a friend. These events can also trigger anxiety and mood disorders.
Family History
Depression ruins families. Individuals who have a family member with a depressive disorder are more likely to develop in themselves. Genetics plays a vital role in the development of depression which cannot be treated without expert help.
Substance Use
Substance use can be a major factor in depression. The experts affirm that around 30% of substance abusers experience clinical depression.
Some individuals use drugs or alcohol to cope with stressful conditions, while others use it just to have fun. Either way, substance abuse can cause depression symptoms to worsen. This is because both alcohol and tobacco hinder brain chemistry by affecting neurotransmitters like serotonin that regulate mood and emotion.
Age
As you get older, many physical changes in your body make you more susceptible to depressive symptoms, including loss of energy and fatigue, irritability, aching muscles, dizziness, and memory problems. Moreover, as we age, our brains shrink, which is thought to contribute to feelings of sadness, which can be treated with depression therapy or meditation.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in the body, such as those associated with menopause or pregnancy, can also cause depression. Other hormonal changes that may affect mood include thyroid conditions and low testosterone levels in men. According to the research, women can suffer from depression almost twice as much as men and a transgender is nearly at 4 times higher risk of developing depression than a cisgender.
Psychological Trauma
The psychological trauma caused by various types of abuse can also lead to depression if left untreated by professional therapists or doctors. Psychological trauma involves humiliating or deeply disappointing experiences like bullying, domestic violence, or childhood neglect.
Early Childhood Experience
Early childhood experiences have a profound impact on the development of a child’s brain. It is during this time that a child learns how to socialize, how to communicate, and how to understand emotions. If these early childhood experiences were not positive ones, then it is likely that the child will struggle with depression later in life.
Wrapping Up-:
The above-listed causes are just the tip of the iceberg; there are many other possible causes of depression. It’s important to remember that not every case of depression will have a known cause. If you really want to identify the key reason for your anxiety and stress, visiting the best depression therapist can help.
