Research suggests that ongoing hardship (long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or indifferent relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness, prolonged work stress) are more likely to cause depression than the stress of recent life. It is often said that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance, but that way of speaking does not capture the complexity of the disease. Research suggests that depression is not simply due to having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Rather, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events.
A number of these forces are thought to interact to cause depression. For some people, a disruptive or stressful life event, such as grief, divorce, illness, dismissal, and work or financial concerns, may be the cause. Most people take the time to accept stressful events, such as grieving or the breakdown of a relationship. When these stressful events occur, the risk of becoming depressed increases if you stop seeing your friends and family and try to solve your problems on your own.
You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being too self-critical. This may be due to the genes you have inherited from your parents, your early life experiences, or both. Feelings of loneliness, caused by things like being apart from family and friends, can increase the risk of depression. You may be at increased risk of depression if you have a long-standing or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease or cancer.
There are several ideas about the causes of depression. It can vary greatly between different people, and for some people, a combination of different factors can cause their depression. Some find that they get depressed for no obvious reason. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States.
It can affect anyone of almost any age, but it is not always known what causes depression in some people. Possible causes of depression may include genetics, brain chemistry, life events, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. A family history of depression may increase the risk of developing the condition. You are more likely to experience symptoms of depression if other people in your family also have depression or another type of mood disorder.
Estimates suggest that depression is approximately 40% determined by genetics. Studies of twins, adoption and family have linked depression to genetics. While studies suggest that there is a strong genetic component, researchers are not yet sure of all genetic risk factors for depression. It is important to remember that no single cause of depression acts in isolation.
Genetics can increase your risk, and environmental influences can determine your likelihood of developing depression. The disease is related to depression in two ways. The stress of having a chronic illness can trigger an episode of major depression. In addition, certain diseases, such as thyroid disorders, Addison's disease, and liver disease, can cause symptoms of depression.
Stressful life events, which overwhelm a person's ability to cope, can also be a cause of depression. Researchers suspect that high levels of the hormone cortisol, which are secreted during periods of stress, may affect the neurotransmitter serotonin and contribute to depression. Depression is associated with a high suicidal tendency. About 50% of people who committed suicide had a primary diagnosis of depression.
Because mood disorders are the basis of 50 to 70% of all suicides, effective treatment of these disorders at the national level should, in principle, drastically reduce this important complication of mood disorders. The Ministry of Health of the Indian Union estimates that 120,000 people commit suicide every year in India. In addition, more than 400,000 people attempt suicide. A significant percentage of people who commit suicide in India (37.8%) are under the age of 30.
Ministry officials say that most of those who commit suicide suffer from depression or mental disorders. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that depression is the leading cause of disability, according to years lived with disability (YLD) and the fourth largest contributor to the global burden of disease. This can cause a number of symptoms, such as extreme tiredness and lack of interest in sex (loss of libido), which in turn can lead to depression. Losses that may result in grief include the death or separation of a loved one, the loss of a job, the death or loss of a beloved pet, or any other change in life, such as divorce, having an empty nest, or retirement.
Hormonal and physical changes, as well as the added responsibility for a new life, can lead to postnatal depression. In addition, there are many other factors, besides simple brain chemistry, that can lead to depression. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects the way you feel, think and behave, and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. Depression, in turn, can lead to more stress and dysfunction and worsen the life situation of the affected person and the depression itself.
This can make you feel less able to cope with life's ups and downs and lead to depression later on. . .
