According to the American Association for Anxiety Disorders and Depression (imagine there is one), about 18 percent of US citizens have anxiety disorders, and about 80 percent of them do not seek medical attention.
Many people deny that they have depression, especially if they cannot think of a specific reason that could make them feel depressed. Here are nine major scientifically proven factors that can cause depression.
Seasonal mood disorder
A lack of sunlight in winter may not only be a trigger for emotional decline - scientific research confirms that it can cause depression. Some of us are more sensitive to sunlight than others and need to work hard to maintain emotional balance.
Getting enough sunlight in the morning is especially important as it helps keep your circadian rhythm in sync with daylight hours, which in turn helps you maintain regular sleep patterns. If your daily schedule is too difficult to get sunlight in winter, try purchasing a special lamp designed to simulate the effects of sunlight on the brain.
Due to the deficiency of solar radiation, many may have a lack of vitamin D. In winter, this is one of the prerequisites for depression. Fortunately, this problem can be easily solved with supplements containing vitamin D. If your problems are caused by this factor, you just need a daily tablet containing this vitamin. By the way, taking B vitamins, especially folic acid and vitamin B6, is also associated with increased mood.
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Negative self-talk
Negative self-talk can be a significant part of the problem. Often we simply do not notice how ruthless we are to ourselves. We scold ourselves for the slightest mistakes, and sometimes even for neutral events that occur during the day. If our thoughts could be embodied in a certain person who constantly followed us and said aloud what we say to ourselves in our own internal monologues, such a person is probably deeply unpleasant to us. However, since the dialogue is internal, and we are so used to our own internal voice, all the insults and undeserved grievances get away with it. Try talking to yourself the way you would with your best friend, and give yourself a break.
Heredity
Depression can be genetically related. While approximately sixty percent of people diagnosed with depression have specific causes associated with external factors, the remaining forty percent can be traced back to the genetic origin of the disorder. People whose parents, brothers, or sisters suffer from depression are three times more likely to suffer from depression. Scientists are unsure if this disorder is primarily related to heredity or is mainly due to general environmental factors and external influences.
Stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are both very significant contributors to depression. When we are consumed by negative and disturbing thoughts, our brains are under pressure and we are unable to enjoy life. In the modern world, stresses are long lasting and gradually form a chronic syndrome. This is especially true for those who have to take their work home. Often, they simply do not have time to recover and regroup to reflect the next stress, which gradually leads to nervous exhaustion.
Affective disorder
If your symptoms of depression last for weeks and don't seem to get better despite your lifestyle and behavior changes, you may have a chemical disorder in your brain. This is by no means your fault, and you should not confront adversity alone. If you conclude that you have a depressive disorder, seek the help of a qualified doctor. In case your suspicions are confirmed, the therapist may prescribe medication for you that will change your mood for the better.
Fluctuations in hormonal levels
Concentration levels of certain hormones, such as thyroid hormones, can affect mood and cause feelings of depression. In women, hormonal imbalances during the menstrual cycle can also cause mood swings. Some people are more sensitive to these changes than others, and hormonal medications may be the answer.
Lack of social or emotional contact
A person may feel overwhelmed by a lack of social or emotional interaction with others. Loneliness is one of the most common causes of depression. Most of our day-to-day contact with colleagues or others is superficial, issue-oriented, and insufficient to meet the need for human interaction. Sometimes, even those we live with and rely on for emotional support pull back or deny us empathy, leaving us to suffer from loneliness. Filling this vacuum and getting the dose of social interaction you need can sometimes take some extra effort.
Environment and lifestyle
One of the most important factors causing depression is the environment and events in our lives. Regardless of whether we are talking about troubles at work or even its loss, the loss of a loved one, worries about a breakup or divorce, sometimes the situation is beyond our control. Depression is a natural reaction of the psyche to such events. All we can do is try our best to maintain a positive outlook on the world, reminding ourselves that all bad things will pass sooner or later.
Psychological trauma
Depression can be the brain's reaction to trauma, whether it happened in the recent past or many years ago. Sometimes life events are more than just the ups and downs of everyday life. In such cases, psychological trauma occurs. This is especially true for painful childhood experiences that can cause the developing brain to become trapped and looped. The result is often a decrease in cognitive flexibility, which can make it harder to deal with stressors in the future. The impact of trauma can be mitigated to some extent by psychotherapy, and it is not uncommon for a doctor to help find the root of the problem that is causing the depression.