Depression Causes and Manifestations

You Are Not Alone

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with depression or suspect that you suffer from the condition, you are certainly not alone. Statistically speaking, nearly everyone will be touched by depression at some period of time during their lives – whether they experience the depression firsthand or are affected by someone else’s depression. At any point during a given year, approximately 15 million adults in the United States (roughly 8% of the population) are affected by depression.

More women than men tend to experience depression; in fact, as many as 12% of women will experience clinical depression during their lifetimes. Four out of five people who are going through depression are not being treated for the condition, although as many as 90% of those who suffer from depression can find relief through treatment as depression remains one of the most treatable illnesses. Depression knows no age boundaries; young people can be afflicted with depression as well as those who are older – and everyone in between.

Causes of Depression

While depression doesn’t need a cause in order to rear its ugly head, there are common risk factors for developing depression, including:

• Being lonely or lacking social support
• Experiencing stressful events
• A family history of depression
• Relationship problems or problems in the marriage
• Strained finances – including unemployment
• Abuse during childhood or trauma at an early age
• Drug abuse or alcohol abuse
• Chronic pain and other health problems
• Loss – including the death of a loved one
• Divorce

Manifestations of Depression

Although there are different types of depression, the condition usually manifests itself in similar ways, including:

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt – sufferers of depression may experience low self-esteem, feel as if they have no self-worth, or feel as if they are a burden to others. Many suffers may believe that they are at fault for being depressed. Those with depression may have feelings of self-loathing and be very self-critical.
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed – oftentimes those who are depressed may find that they no longer wish to partake in hobbies, social activities, and sex.
• Changes in appetite – eating less than usual or eating more than usual. Loss of energy – those who are depressed may feel as if they are physically drained of energy; small tasks are often exhausting.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions – those with depression often report that their thoughts are “foggy”, that they cannot “think straight” or that it is hard to focus on tasks. Because of this, depression sufferers have a hard time making decisions. Those with depression may think constantly of their worries and troubles – which may lead to problems sleeping or they may sleep more than usual.
• Suicidal thoughts – in sufferers of severe depression, hopelessness about the future and avoidance of problems may become so relentless that they no longer feel like life is “worth living”.

Common Ways to Fight Depression

The good news about depression is treatable. But just as the symptoms of causes of depression are varied, so are the treatments for each individual case of depression. Exploring your treatment options will help you find the best
approach to treating your depression. Depression is commonly treated with a combination of different methods, most commonly including lifestyle changes.

Often lifestyle changes, both simple and complex, can have a huge impact on depression. From developing supportive relationships, getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet to practicing techniques for relaxation and reversing
negative thought patterns – find out how you can provide self-help for your depression in small steps that make a big difference.

For more severe types of depression, lifestyle changes in combination with professional help are often the answer. Through the use of therapy, medication, and alternative treatments, professional help for depression can put you on the road to recovery. Additionally, our article Fighting Depression: 10 Golden Rules is a great resource for depression
sufferers.