WHY WE GET SAD AND DEPRESSED?
Sometimes you just can’t outrun the Sandstorm. I know I’ve tried in 2017, the sandstorm won.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the world today and for many people who suffer from depression, they don’t seek treatment.
The causes of depression are heterogeneous (diverse in character or content). Thus, treatment providers should not use a generic treatment for depression and any therapist that tells you so should be avoided.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of potential causes for depression each requiring a different approach and treatment.
You are chemically a little wonky
The balance of brain chemicals is crucial for healthy mood and behaviours. Some of the neurotransmitters that might be out of balance in depression are serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, glutamate, and GABA. I have written about this in another article that can be found here -
Your parents are to blame (I jest – they didn’t even know)
Some of the strongest evidence for a genetic contribution to depression is the increase of risk in relatives of people who suffer from depression. A person who has a first-degree relative who suffered major depression has an increase in risk for the condition. Sadly there isn’t much that can be done about it, time machines wont solve this one but you might with seeking a positive therapeutic solution.
Medications are used to solve all your worries WRONG!
Some prescription medications may cause depression. To name a few, beta-blockers for a heart condition, Accutane for acne (also increases the risk of suicide) and birth control pills. According to studies, medical illnesses or medications may be at the root of up to 10% to 15% (more or less depending on the medical condition) of all depressions.
You are a little hormonal
Women are twice as likely to develop depression as men. There are many reasons for this difference, but one has to do with hormonal differences. Over 10% of women suffer from postpartum depression. Again, there are many reasons, but one is hormonal and completely natural.
Traumatic life experiences
Adverse experiences increase the likelihood of later developing depression. Losing a parent (or both) during childhood for example increases the risk of depression in adulthood.
You just don’t like the weather
Change of season is also related to depression. This type of depression is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
You are eating the wrong food
There is a link between vitamin D deficiency and depression. Men who consume 67 grams or more of sugar per day were 23% more likely to be diagnosed with depression in a five-year period than men who ate 40 grams or less.
Psycho-social factors
There is extensive literature on factors such as loneliness, job satisfaction, marital status, and depression. If you think this could be part of the problem then first address the amount of time you are spending on social media – cut it for a month and see how you get on. Social Media will lead to loss of productivity, decrease self-esteem and confidence and cause changes in mood.
Lack of sleep
There is a complex relationship between sleep and depression: poor sleep habits can cause or exacerbate depression, and depression causes sleep disturbances.
Substance abuse – you are paying the price
Withdrawal from some drugs or a history of substance use can be related to depression, the good news is that it manageable and the lesser of the two evils.
Listen to my interview with Paul Danan here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/13073988/in-therapy_1
You’ve lost purpose and aimlessly wandering through life
People who struggle to find meaning in their life or with concepts such as death might develop existential depression, or a loss of motivation to search for meaning or purpose.
For the treatment of depression to be effective, the causes have to be thoroughly explored—and a treatment program to directly address the causes has to be devised for each person specifically.
If you are trying to outrun your feelings then stop, seek help and get the support you need. If you want to explore some options then reach out and book an appointment.
