Guest post by Gayle Pape, MSW, LCSW, EMDR
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest and pleasure. You may have heard it called Major Depressive Disorder or Clinical Depression. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, and it affects how you feel, think, and behave. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living. That’s why understanding depression – its causes, symptoms, and trends – is important.
Causes and Symptoms of Depression
Understanding the causes and symptoms of depression, as well as why it is on the rise, can be helpful if you’re struggling with this mood disorder. Various factors contribute to depression developing in your life. Why someone develops depression can be broadly categorized into biological, psychological, and environmental influences:
Biological Factors
Genetics play a significant role in depression. A family history of the disorder increases your likelihood of developing it. Neurochemical imbalances, particularly involving serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, are also implicated in depression. Additionally, hormonal changes, such as those occurring during postpartum periods or menopause, can trigger depressive episodes.
Psychological Factors
Certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, or a tendency to be overly self-critical make you more susceptible to depression. In addition, traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and unresolved emotional conflicts can also cause depressive symptoms.
Environmental Factors
Social isolation, financial difficulties, relationship problems, and exposure to violence or abuse are significant environmental stressors that can lead to depression. Additionally, major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, or a serious illness can trigger depressive episodes.
Depression manifests in various ways, and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Emotional Symptoms: Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, irritability, and mood swings all are markers of this disorder.
- Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, and remembering information frequently go with depression, as do negative thoughts and excessive guilt. Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of depression.
- Physical Symptoms: Changes in appetite and weight, sleep disturbances (insomnia or hypersomnia), fatigue, decreased energy levels, or physical aches and pains without a clear medical cause are frequent symptoms of depression.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Withdrawal from social activities, loss of interest in hobbies, and decreased productivity at work or school are depression symptoms. Increased use of alcohol or drugs may be a coping mechanism for some people, but can also exacerbate the disorder.
Related Reading: Teens! Angst or Depression?
Why is Depression on the Rise?
There is growing concern about the increasing incidence of depression globally. Several factors contribute to this trend.
One is the modern lifestyle. The fast-paced, high-pressure nature of modern life can lead to chronic stress, which is a significant risk factor for depression. The constant connectivity and social comparison facilitated by social media can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy and isolation.
Another factor is economic instability. Financial stressors, such as unemployment, debt, and housing instability, have been linked to higher rates of depression. Economic downturns and uncertainty can further compound these stressors.
Greater awareness of mental health issues and improved diagnostic criteria have led to more people being diagnosed with depression. This does not necessarily in itself mean that depression is more prevalent, but it does mean that more people are seeking help and receiving appropriate diagnoses.
Finally, factors such as climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation can impact mental health. The psychological effects of these environmental changes, combined with the stress of adapting to new circumstances, can contribute to rising depression rates.
Related Reading: Can Depression and Anxiety be Cured?
Why Does Someone Develop Depression?
The development of depression is influenced by a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. If you have a genetic predisposition to depression, stressful life events or traumatic experiences can trigger a depressive episode. Chronic medical conditions, substance abuse, and certain medications can also contribute to the onset of depression. Additionally, societal factors such as social isolation, discrimination, and lack of access to mental health care can play a significant role in the development of depression.
The number one cause of depression is often attributed to chronic stress. Chronic stress can result from various sources: work-related pressures, financial problems, relationship conflicts, and more. The prolonged exposure to this stress can lead to neurochemical changes in your brain, which, in turn, increase the risk of developing depression.
To reiterate, depression is a complex disorder. Understanding the causes and symptoms of depression, as well as recognizing why it is on the rise, can give you the information you need to address treatment strategies. Talk to your doctor if you or a loved show signs or symptoms of depression. Take care of yourself and seek medical and emotional treatment. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be effective in treating depression, along with medication.
Think you may have depression? Here are some things that may help with depressive symptoms:
- Try to get physical activity. Just 30 minutes a day of walking can boost your mood.
- Try to maintain a regular bedtime and wake-up time.
- Eat regular, healthy meals.
- Address stress. Do what you can as you can. Decide what must get done and what can wait.
- Connect with people. Talk to people you trust about how you are feeling.
- Delay making important life decisions until you feel better. Discuss decisions with people who know you well.
- Avoid using alcohol, nicotine, or drugs, including medications not prescribed for you.
Therapists at Life Care Wellness offer counseling for those struggling with depression. If you are in northern Illinois, please reach out to us at our offices in Glen Ellyn, Sycamore, or the Jefferson Park neighborhood in Chicago. You can heal. Let us help you get there.
Gayle Pape has 24 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. She uses a strength-based approach and provides a safe space for empowerment, healing, and growth. Her therapeutic approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Art Therapy, and Play Therapy. Gayle sees clients by telehealth only.
