Understanding the Causes of Depression

However, the causes of depression are not so simple, and while a negative event may trigger depression, the causes of depression are not external factors alone. Many of the causes of depression are issues with the sufferer.

Depression is a very widespread problem today affecting one in four women and one in eight men. Many people are aware of the many symptoms of depression, including feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, obsessive negative thoughts, loss or gain in appetite, insomnia or an increased need for sleep, social withdrawal, irritability and loss of memory or concentration, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. It is tempting to think that depression is sadness and the causes of depression will simply disappear and the negative feelings will subside.

Causes of depression are 40 – 70% hereditary and children of depressed children are more likely to be depressed. This would mean that the potential for depression lies in one's genetic makeup, and a stressor may trigger a latent potential for depression. However those who dispute heredity as one of the causes of depression cite other true observations that those who live with depressed individuals are more likely to be depressed, and a depressed parent may lack parenting skills or the necessary energy or patience to deal with a child properly, and may be one of the causes of depression. It is hard to know who really wins the nature versus nurture argument, but once we learn more about the role heredity plays among the causes of depression, the better we will understand how genes have an impact on our moods.

Whether causes of depression are hereditary or not, there is a physiological basis for the problem, which refutes claims that depression is nothing more than a bad mood that will pass. Low serotonin levels have been shown to be one of the causes of depression, and loss of neurotransmitters in the hippocampus has also been identified as one of the causes of depression. Seasonal affective disorder is also one of the causes of depression, and it has been shown that those who are deprived of light and warmth in the wintertime and become depressed as a result are not merely suffering from the “winter blues” but have a problem caused by the shorter days and longer nights. Seasonal effective disorder can develop into full blown depression if it not treated as one of the series causes of depression. Hormones may also play a role as one of the causes of depression, especially among those women who suffer from Pre Menstrual Syndrome or post-partum depression. In fact, while one out of every four women suffers from depression compared to one in every eight men, this discrepancy disappears among women who have undergone menopause, when there are lower levels of estrogen. More study is needed to determine whether these hormonal fluctuations are actual causes of depression, or merely triggers.

Losing one's job, getting a divorce or a death in the family may not be actual causes of depression, but they can trigger the problem in those who have a predisposition for the problem. Certainly, such events can cause sadness and a feeling of worthlessness, but if these feelings are not persistent, they are normal aspects of the grieving process and are not causes of depression. However, if the negative feelings are prolonged and obsessive, they may be triggers in setting off depression. There are some physical aliments which are included among causes of depression. Hepatitis and heart conditions can be causes of depression, in addition to Aids and other illnesses which cause weakness and fatigue.

Article Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/health/understanding-the-causes-of-depression.html

Overcoming Depression

Depression effects us all

Whether you are going through depression yourself or you know someone who is. Depression can be rough. I know I went through it many of us do. Yet many Americans deny this depression and allow for self hate to begin. Depression can lead to loss of friends, ruin relationships, make us neglect family members, lose interest in things we once loved and may even cause us to become physically ill. The first step to overcoming depression is admitting that you have depression and that you are not alone. One in every 15 Americans experiences depression at some point in their lives. A shocking number that equals around 17.5 million Americans. So please do not be afraid to admit that you have it. It is the first step in anything to admit you have a problem.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."-- Confucius

After admitting that you have depression and seeking to overcome it you will join the ranks of Jim Carrey, Princess Diana, Harrison Ford, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Mark Twain, George Washington, Albert Einstein, and countless others who have all faced and overcame depression.

So let's get started on the journey against depression.

Common symptoms of depression

-Sadness
-Irritability or frustration, even over small matters
-Loss of interest or pleasure in once loved activities
-Lowered sex drive
-Insomnia or excessive sleeping
-High weight gain or weight loss
-Change in eating habits(Increase or decrease)
-Slowed movements and thoughts
-Decreased concentration
-Fatigue, tiredness and loss of energy - even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort
-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
-Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions and remembering things
-Frequent thoughts of death, dying or suicide
-Crying spells for no apparent reason
-Unexplained physical problems

Depression quotes

"In moments of discouragement, defeat, or even despair, there are always certain things to cling to. Little things usually: remembered laughter, the face of a sleeping child, a tree in the wind-in fact, any reminder of something deeply felt or dearly loved.

No man is so poor as not to have many of these small candles. When they are lighted, darkness goes away-and a touch of wonder remains."
-- "These Small Candles"... tombstone inscription in Britain
"Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it."
-- Helen Keller
"It is never too late to be what you might have been."
--George Eliott

I hope that this brief article has helped someone in their journey to overcoming depression and seeking happiness. Please continue to seek help because there are many people who still care.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Max_L_Steele

Depressed Huh?: Well Fight Back

Depression, one of the worst states that a person can be in. Depression can cause someone to feel worthless, humiliated and in a constant state of anxiety. Seeing as I have fought through depression first hand, some of my insights may help you or a love one through their bout of Depression. Hopefully after reading this article you are filled with hope and keep up the fight against your depression.

The Enemy is You?!?(Face Your Shadow Self)

Simply put the enemy really and truly is yourself. Though at times we may "think" that it is others controlling your feelings in reality the only one in control of you, is yourself. It is also important to realize that you are taking to steps to better yourself(proof of the power, you have over your depression). Before we jump into fighting the depression lets get some background information on it.

So uh... what is depression? My definition of depression is a low state of mood in which one feels, very bad about themselves, their life, their world and ultimately other people(this should give you some insight as to why people love positive people). Remember there is a difference between feeling sad, or upset versus being in a state of depression. Some common reasons why people become depressed: loss of a job, loss of health, loss of a love one, as well as loss of identity(self crisis).

It is my personal belief that every problem that falls upon us can be handled by good old fashion work ethic. The desire to become better, do better and achieve more should be all the push that you need. If this is not enough, think about it like this: imagine all the good things you can do for this world, imagine all the love you can give to the world, imagine all the love you can give to that special woman(man), imagine your new empowered self, battling the problems of the world and helping others overcome their negativity.

Actually if you think about it, everybody is rooting for you to become better. When you become more positive, happy and joyful, you bring all that goodness into someone else's life(as well as your own) causing more happiness in the world. You see my friend, you having been hiding your light(your gift,your blessing) from the world and that is a problem. We were not made to be discouraged, but encouraged that is why when you hear good words, you feel more energized that's what we are here for to help one another and improve.

Somethings to help change your mood.

Get out of the house and just walk around. Physical exercise whether walking or strength training will help your brain release dopamine. Dopamine gives you a natural "high" feeling, but instead of relying on a drug or a booze, you rely upon yourself. This good feeling becomes more intense as the brain becomes used to releasing it, causing a powerful response.

Volunteer- Giving your time and energy to others is one of the greatest things you can do. Its reward comes from seeing the happiness, you have instilled in another individuals life.

New Clothes- Yes a simple change of wardrobe can make you feel like a winner in your life and increase your mood.

Read motivational articles as well as positive quotes and sayings to help keep you motivated.

Believe me depression is almost always self inflict and if not, it usually is self-sustained through your mind. If you choose to let it go and move on with your life, you can. So what you are not some beautiful model or actress, you can still be happy and live a life fulfilled. Hopefully this article helped you realize that you deserve to be happy. Remember when you are smiling the whole world smiles back at you.

Article Source: http://www.streetarticles.com/depression/depressed-huh-well-fight-back