What exactly is depression?
Depression can be described as a low mood and a lack of motivation to do anything. Depression can affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts. Depression can cause sadness, make it challenging to think, and lead to a change in your appetite and sleep time. Depression can lead to feelings of despair and even thoughts about suicide. This can be either short-term or long-term. Anhedonia is the main symptom of depression. This refers to losing interest in things that generally make people happy. Depression is a sign of mood disorders like major depressive disorder and dysthymia. It is normal and can be caused by life events such as the death of a loved one.
Causes of Depression: From Genetics to Culture
Everyone knows that being depressed can be difficult. But what's even more difficult is understanding why you're experiencing symptoms of the condition and how to cope with it. The scientific research on this topic is still inconclusive. In fact, it's probably not even close. There are many possible reasons why someone might be depressed, and they all have something in common: they're caused by the mind, not the brain. You might have heard that depression runs in families. The reality is that several other factors may play a role in whether or not someone develops depression. Genetics, for example, plays a massive role in whether or not someone will develop depression (more on this here). Culture also plays a role in whether a person will experience depression or not — for example, if your family history is related to the disorder, you're more likely to get it too. If any of these factors apply to you, you may want to check out these significant causes of depression to find out what's happening inside your mind.
There are many possible reasons why someone might be depressed, and they all have something in common: they're caused by the mind, not the brain.
Check out these top 14 causes of depression to learn more:
Genetics
Studies have found that genetics play a role in the development of depression. This gene expression could be influenced by environmental factors such as diet, pollution, and stress. Genetic testing can tell you whether or not a particular family member is at risk for this condition.
Medications
medications can also cause depression. While many people will prefer not to take a medication that has been proven to cause depression in other people, there is a big difference between saying you don't want to take medication and really not wanting to take the medication. Sometimes, the person may not want to take it because they don't need it or don't want to.
Environmental Factors
Your environment can also cause depression. For example, if you're used to a particular food or drink habit, you might develop an aversion to it after moving to a new country. The same goes for your work environment; if you're used to a particular one, you may be unable to function correctly in a new one. Also, read this: How Depression Can Affect Your Job.
Sleep and Night-Time Issues
Part of being human is being able to relax at night. If you cannot get enough sleep, your body will produce more stress hormones to help you relax. Unfortunately, when you overwork yourself and don't get enough sleep, you overreact to things in the day. You may overthink things, feel moody, and start to crave sweets even though you know they're bad for you.
Abuse
Depression can be caused by physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
Age
Older people are more likely to develop depression. This can be exacerbated by being alone or lacking social support.
Some medications
You may be more likely to develop depression if you take certain drugs such as interferon-alpha (an antiviral drug used to treat acne), isotretinoin, corticosteroids, or isotretinoin.
Conflict
People with genes that make them more likely to get depressed may get depressed because of personal problems or fights with family or close friends.
Death or a loss
The risk of developing depression can be increased by sadness or grief following the loss or death of a loved one.
Gender
Depression is twice as common in women as it is in men. It is not known why. It could be that hormonal changes women experience at different points in their lives play a part.
Major events
Even positive events, such as getting married, starting a job, or graduating from college, can cause depression. Moving, losing your job or income, divorce, and retirement can all lead to depression. Clinical depression doesn't just happen when stressful things are going on in a person's life.
Other personal issues
Clinical depression can be caused by social isolation from other mental illnesses or the exclusion of family members or friends.
Severe illnesses
Sometimes depression can be caused by a significant illness, or it may be triggered by another medical condition.
Substance misuse
A third of those with substance misuse also suffer from primary or severe depression. Although drugs and alcohol may temporarily improve your mood, they can worsen depression.
Also read: Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Depression
Culture
In some cultures, people will avoid talking to you if they think you're having a breakdown. It's not that they don't care — they just don't want to get in the way! Culture also plays a role — some people prefer to save their tears for home. If you're from a culture that doesn't have this preference, you may feel more comfortable going to a doctor in your own country.
Conclusion
Although there's still much to learn about the top causes of depression, we know that depression is a common condition and can affect people of all ages. While genetics plays a significant role in determining who will develop this condition, it's also true that environment and genetics can interact with one another. So, while it may not be possible to explain why you're experiencing the symptoms of depression, you can still treat it!
