Causes of depression
So many people globally suffer from depression on a daily basis. Experiencing periodic sadness is normal as we all go through phases of distress at one point or another, but if this becomes unmanageable, or has a negative effect on the way you function, affecting the way you eat, sleep, etc., then it's time to identify the causes of depression and deal with the problem. Real depression is hard to deal with, and can even get a person down to the point where he/she becomes suicidal and no longer sees the point in living. It will normally subside fairly quickly but when someone experiences this for more than just a few days or weeks, it is then medically classed as 'clinical depression.'
Clinical depression, also known as 'major depression,' can be totally debilitating and make life an uphill battle. It is characterized by the inability to achieve everyday tasks due the symptoms and normally goes on for up to weeks or months on end. It is often a recurring condition. Dysthymia (chronic depression) is another form of depression. Though less serious and incapacitating, dysthymia normally goes on for a period of 2 years plus and can also take its toll. Seasonal affective disorder is yet another type of depression and occurs at a certain time of the year; usually in winter, and is known as the winter blues. Manic depression, aka bipolar depression, is a severe type of depression that is often experienced between sudden bouts of happiness. It's a mental rollercoaster ride that incorporates a serious of highs and lows that can sometimes have extreme consequences.
Depression, in general, is not an easy thing to deal with and can be hard to treat. As there is no specific medical cause for it (in most cases,) each case is different and may require particular forms of treatment. Though depression can be attributed to a brain chemical imbalance, this is only one contributor and so can't simply be fixed by taking a pill. Also, while it is true that depression does have a tendency to be passed on through generations, in some cases, there is no history of it within one's family at all. Healthcare professionals agree that depression is rather complex, and is brought on by a recipe of psychological, environmental and biological factors.
There are, however, certain risk factors that can make some people more vulnerable to getting the condition. Unfortunately, the true causes of depression are unknown and difficult to pinpoint, but the following certainly play a role in its development: old age, being a woman, a chronic medical condition, alcohol or drug abuse, poverty, a recent traumatic event, a long-term history of depression within the family, loneliness, sleeping habits, and various others. The trick is to get help immediately if you suspect that you may have it, or know someone else who might. Never take a 'cry for help' for granted or brush it off as someone simply seeking attention. Depression is a serious condition that requires professional treatment.
