What Are The Causes Of Depression?
Do you ever feel like a heavy cloud is pressing upon you? No matter how much you try to come out of the constant sense of sadness, it just seems like you can’t!
That’s how depression feels. You may have woken up in the morning on time, brushed your teeth, gotten dressed, and shown up at work, but deep inside, there will be a sense of grief eating you up.
When people ask what depression is, it isn’t always easy to explain. Though depression is quite widespread, most people are still unable to understand the causes of depression. If you are someone who finds it impossible to bounce back quickly after a setback and would rather fall into deep despair, this article is for you. Let’s discuss some major causes and reasons for depression.
The Psychology of Depression
Depression is a constant feeling and assumption that the world is against us, and no matter what we do, we are not good enough. For some, this feeling is so extreme that it can lead to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. However, if observed and treated on time, it can surely be managed.
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Depression is not just sadness it’s a persistent belief that nothing is enough. If you’re still wondering what it actually is, you can read our full guide on depression before exploring its causes.
Causes of Depression
Depression is not a result of a single problem. Instead, a combination of various factors gives rise to it. Let’s talk about them.
Scientific Causes of Depression
- Modifications in Neurotransmitters
The most common reason that leads to depression is the imbalance in neurotransmitters. Dopamine and serotonin are the two neurotransmitters whose imbalance can lead to depression. Where Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and appetite, dopamine is in charge of providing energy and pleasure to the body. Even a slight change in them can cause a sense of gloominess in the human body.
- Genetic Factors
Genes causing depression run in families. If both parents have depression, there is an excellent chance that the kids will most likely inherit it. At times, when exposed to certain stressful situations, these genes flare up, making the person vulnerable to developing depression.
- Changes in Hormones
People, especially women, go through various phases in life where their hormones change. Fluctuations in hormones impact mood regulation. Women and men both have thyroid disorders that can expose them to stress and depression. In mothers, postpartum hormonal changes are a big reality, leading to depression.
Environmental Causes Of Depression
The environment a person lives in plays a significant role in exposing them to depression. For instance:
- Pollution: The Biggest Cause of Depression
Spending a considerable amount of time in intense air and noise pollution impacts the mood of an individual. Alongside this, negative social situations like those of conflict, peer pressure, and social isolation can be a cause of stress and depression.
- Seasonal Changes
You won’t believe this, but changes in seasons are also a cause of depression. When the amount of sunlight exposure reduces, it becomes a reason for the disruption of the circadian rhythms of the body. It also leads to modifications in the serotonin levels. Hence, eventually, one ends up with SAD, also known as seasonal affective disorder.
Dealing With the Reasons For Depression
Here are some ways you can deal with the reasons for depression:
- Bring some lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, working out, and regular walking keep the hormones balanced.
- Avoid substances that can aggravate depressive episodes, such as alcohol and drugs.
- Talk to someone about what you are going through and vent everything out.
- Plan things ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress and anxiety.
Sort All Your Reasons to be Depressed
If you can’t figure out your reasons to be depressed, Saalvio is always there to help you. It’s well-curated Depression Therapy helps individuals dealing with clinical depression and brings their lives back on track.