What Causes Depression?

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions, and it causes persistent feelings of sadness and can change how you act, sleep, think, and eat. There are different types of depression, and the causes vary from person to person. If you believe you are dealing with depression, seek medical help! Depression is treatable. 

What Causes Depression?

Difficult life situations such as divorce, losing a loved one, job loss, or even moving can ignite feelings of sadness. Depression is different in that it is a persistent feeling that doesn’t leave and includes other symptoms than just sadness. There are different types of depressive disorders, such as major depressive disorder or clinical depression.

Is Depression Common?

If depression isn’t treated, it can worsen and last longer. Some severe cases of depression may lead to self-harm or suicide. Depression treatments can be very effective in improving symptoms, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you’re feeling symptoms of depression. Nearly 7% of adults in the United States experience depression each year, and around 16% of adults in the US will experience depression symptoms at some time in their life. These numbers are mostly likely lower than reality because many people don’t seek proper medical help for symptoms of depression. 

Depression Symptoms and Causes

Clinical depression is chronic but can occur in episodes that last days, weeks, or months. Symptoms of depression vary from person to person, depending on the type, and may range from mild to severe. General depression symptoms can include:

• Feeling worried, sad, or hopeless. 

• More irritable than usual.

• Not engaging in activities that used to bring joy.

• Becoming easily frustrated.

• Decreased or increased appetite, losing or gaining weight.

• Sleeping a lot (hypersomnia) or having trouble sleeping (insomnia).

• Low energy and increased fatigue. 

What is the Cause of Depression?

Researchers can’t pinpoint the exact cause of depression, but they believe several factors contribute to an individual developing depression. Some of the factors that are involved in diagnosing depression include:

• An imbalance of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, in the brain chemistry. 

• Genetic components can affect your susceptibility to developing depression- if you have a sibling or parent with depression, you can be about three times more likely to develop depression than the general population.

• Traumatic life events. Difficult and stressful life events like trauma, the death of a loved one, divorce, or any event deemed too much by your nervous system can cause trauma. 

• Medical conditions and diagnoses can lead to depression. 

• Certain medications can cause depression. 

Seek Medical Help for Depression

If you or someone you love may be dealing with depression, seeking proper medical attention is important to determine the best course of action. At Sussman Therapy, our kind and caring therapists enjoy helping those with life challenges and look forward to assisting you. Give us a call today to schedule your first appointment.