Top 5 Causes of Depression Facts, Signs & Symptoms

In an over stimulated society, it is not a surprise to find that visits to psychologists and psychiatrists have doubled over the last couple of years. 

This is due, both in part to the fact that mental health has become a less taboo topic, as well as because people have become a lot more aware of its implications on life, if left untreated.

What Is Depression?

Depression is defined as a persistent sense of sadness, gloominess and moodiness which persists for at least 2 weeks. Someone with depression will slowly begin loosing interest in their favorite activities. 

However at the same time it’s normal, as humans, for everyone to have down and gloomy days so depression this is not just a passing or fleeting feeling.

Potential Reasons For Depression:

Depression is a very complex disease. It is caused due to one of two reasons, chemical imbalances and personal trauma. The body releases a feel good hormone called serotonin which is responsible for keeping people’s mood elevated. 

When there is a drop in its production, mostly due to a medical issue, the person may experience a drop in their mood as well. Another kind of depression occurs due to a physical or emotional situation.

Depression is a major issue surrounding the West. It is not something fleeting enough to get over with time and requires energy, effort and professional help in some cases. 

Untreated clinical depression is a crippling feeling for many and it can cause issues in many spheres of life, from;

• Employment issues
• Personal & social life issues
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Suicidal tendencies

Link Between Depression & Suicide: 

It is estimated that every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. Thus it is therefore every important to find help for all those suffering from depression.

The most dangerous kind of depression is what scientists consider ‘smiling depression’. 

Many individuals who experience suicidal thoughts are zapped off energy and often times there is a very slight chance they might not have the energy to go through with the suicide attempt. 

However people with smiling depression are known to be more likely to end up having a successful suicide attempt.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression: 

There are numerous signs that signal the presence of a clinical depression, it includes;

• A sense of hopelessness.
• Appetite changes.
• Random and unexplained aches and pains.
• A general loss of energy.
• No interest in things which used to seem interesting.
• Sleep problems.
• Issues with alcohol and other substance abuse.
• Issues with concentration.
• Reckless and careless behavior.
• Deteriorating results at school or work.

Causes of Depression:

Depression can be caused by a number of factors, including;

Genetic Factors: 

Genetics plays a huge role in determining whether or not someone is predisposed to depression. Scientists have concluded that a child is 10 to 13 times more likely to develop depression if one of their parents has experienced the same. This can come from genetics, family life, social issues etc.

Past Experiences with Abuse: 

People who have a history of abuse are more likely to develop depression later on in life as well.

Medications: 

There are a number of medications which contain depression as a side effect so people who have already been diagnosed with depression should be careful of the pills they consume.

Death or Loss of a Loved One: 

One of the most traumatizing things in life is losing loved ones. Those who have experienced an incident of that magnitude, are more likely to develop depression.

Medical Issues: 

There are some medical conditions like hypothyroidism or hashimotos thyroiditis which can cause depression when the levels of the hormones in the body, fluctuate.

Signs of Suicidal Tendencies: 

Suicidal people end up giving little hints at random intervals which showcase their current state of mental health. Some of the signs that people with suicidal tendencies show in their everyday activities and conversations include;

• Getting issues of money and inheritance in order.
• Conversations on death.
• Self-loathing and self-deprecating thoughts.
• Unusual and sudden fascinations towards death blood and gore.
• Expressing feelings of helplessness.

Risk Factors of Developing Depression: 

There are a number of factors which determine whether or not someone can be predisposed to developing depression, they include;

• Being a woman because more women than men are diagnosed with depression.
• Being related to people with issues like depression.
• Having disorders including PTSD or anxiety etc.
• Living in areas where there are longer nights as compared to days.