How to Identify the Causes of Depression

Depression refers to a feeling of sadness that lasts longer and has greater intensity than just the typical “blues.” This intensified negative emotion is not the outcome of a single unpleasant cause, but of a combination of causes that weaken the mind and the entire system of a depressed individual. When depression sets in, changes take place inside the body, causing an imbalance of neurotransmitters--the chemical substances that carry signals to our nerves and brain. As a result, negative thoughts, feelings, and behavior are unleashed, along with a decreased in energy and changes in eating and sleeping habits.

Instructions

1. Check your family history for cases of depressive disorder. Genetic factors play a huge role in depression. If someone in your family suffers from it, your risk of developing the illness is high. However, depression can also occur in families that have no history of the disorder.

2. 

   Know your own personality. Certain personality traits are considered to be closely linked to depression. They include low self-esteem, negative thinking or pessimism, low self-confidence, over-dependence on others and constant worry over little things. Individuals possessing these traits are more likely to experience depression, especially when they are under unbearable stress.

3. Understand that serious medical ailments can often activate depression--including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, Parkinson's disease, hormonal disorders or auto-immune diseases. All of the physical discomfort, weakness and pain that sufferers feel cause them considerable stress, resulting in depression. Medicines prescribed to treat these conditions can contribute to the "down and out" feeling.

4. 

   Recognize that specific distressing events can bring about severe mental and emotional stress. They include the sudden death of a loved one or a friend; emotional and physical abuse; accidents or any incidents that involve physical pain; relationship break-ups or divorce; and financial struggles, unemployment or failures at work or school.

5. Know that the nervousness and anxiety you feel when handling new developments in your life can lead to depression, even if those developments are happy ones--such as graduating, transferring to a new school, starting a new job, getting married, having a baby, moving to a new place, being promoted at work or opening a new business. These are all positive events, but the upheavals they entail can make them very difficult to handle.

6. 

   Understand that loneliness and a lack of support from family or friends are major causes of depression. Maintain a running dialogue with your children, spouse and friends, to help them realize you are there to lend a hand whenever something is bothering them. Ask them what's on their mind and what they feel, especially if you see them gradually isolating themselves from others.

7. Realize that excessive use of harmful drugs and alcohol can lead to major depression--and can also be a symptom of depression. Some people seek comfort in drugs and drink when they get depressed--they consider it their only way out. Offer help to these people at the earliest possible time, before their situation gets worse. They may turn you down on your first attempt, but keep trying. Let them know you are there and that you do care for them.

Tips & Warnings

• The support of other people is the strongest and most effective way to cope up with depression--whether they be family members, friends, members of a support group or a doctor (therapist).

• Depression is considered as an illness, so medical evaluation and therapy are needed to help alleviate the condition. Medication coupled with therapy can help ease a depressed mind.

• When a family member or a friend talks about committing suicide, do not take his words lightly. Try to talk to him about it and let him know you are ready to listen. When he opens up, don't interrupt; just allow him to talk and express his feelings.