Different types of depression can have different causes. If you can pinpoint the cause, it goes a long way in helping you figure out how to treat it.
Inherited From A Parent
In 2006, a team scientists from around the world - led by Rockefeller University researchers - found a "depression gene" and named it "p11." They found that this gene plays a role in serotonin transmission in your brain. Since serotonin is the main mood chemical in your brain, you will be more apt to get depression if your serotonin levels are not at the optimum level.
But you should know that a bad p11 gene doesn't mean you will be depressed. It just means that you will be more apt to get depression. The reason for this is that depression is a very complex disease with not only physical causes but psychological ones as well.
For example, someone who has a faulty p11 gene may do fine until the death of a loved one. An event like this may send them into a funk that lasts longer than what most people would consider normal...they are "depressed" and not just in mourning. These are the folks who stand to benefit the most from a SRI (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) like "Prozac."
It's important to note that "Prozac" or any other anti-depression medication would not bring back the loved one. This is why it is important to treat depression on at least two fronts: Address the physical part of depression with medication and the mental part with therapy such as cognitive therapy with a trained therapist.
What's another option to deal with this type of depression? Self help. Reading a step-by-step plan on overcoming depression. (More later...)
Stressful Event(s)
Sometimes a single stressful event (as in the above example) can send someone into depression--even though their serotonin levels are normal. Or a combination of stressful events can cause some people to get depressed...
At 16 years young, my depression was so great that I attempted suicide by ramming my car into a grove of trees at over 120 mph! (When you read my story you'll be amazed I'm here with you now.) My problem was the result of a couple years of bad decisions that added stress upon stress - if you read my story you'll be able to relate.
Miraculously surviving my suicide attempt was a turning point in my life if there ever was one. I started looking for natural cures for depression because, for one thing, there was no such thing as depression medication like "Zoloft," and I just knew it was up to me to figure out how to outsmart depression. This was something that--at least in my case--could not be solved in a pill, no matter how "high-tech" the medical technology.
It's Usually Multiple Stressors Over Time
Usually, it's a series of events over time that gets people depressed. Take divorce, for example: Even though the word "divorce" describes a single event, it can lead to multiple highly stressful things happening to the divorcee all at once:
- Loss of a relationship: It was supposed to be "...to death do us part."
- Financial security gives way to financial worry.
- No more nice house and car.
- Daily contact with your kids is no more.
- Being forced to move. (Moving--by itself--is one of the most stressful events a person can endure--forced or not.)
...You get the idea.
Taught To 'Enjoy' Depression
It is strange, but some folks actually enjoy the sadness of depression... They are 'at home' with this feeling because they feel it's the most appropriate way to react to the death of a loved one or some other stressful event.
The real reasons for someone wallowing in depression are: One, it gets them personal one-on-one attention from people (their 'caretakers'). And two, it gives them 'permission' to let their daily responsibilities of life slide; they can stay in bed 'til late and avoid cooking and cleaning, for example, and nobody will say anything derogatory about their 'laziness.'
Psychologists tell us one theory is that they are "taught" this behavior as toddlers:
Your parents may have left you alone if you weren't whining or crying, figuring "he must be happy--let's not bother him." By only paying a attention to you if you cried about something, they've taught you a life lesson: Personal care and attention comes your way if you are in distress. - 16004
Inherited From A Parent
In 2006, a team scientists from around the world - led by Rockefeller University researchers - found a "depression gene" and named it "p11." They found that this gene plays a role in serotonin transmission in your brain. Since serotonin is the main mood chemical in your brain, you will be more apt to get depression if your serotonin levels are not at the optimum level.
But you should know that a bad p11 gene doesn't mean you will be depressed. It just means that you will be more apt to get depression. The reason for this is that depression is a very complex disease with not only physical causes but psychological ones as well.
For example, someone who has a faulty p11 gene may do fine until the death of a loved one. An event like this may send them into a funk that lasts longer than what most people would consider normal...they are "depressed" and not just in mourning. These are the folks who stand to benefit the most from a SRI (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) like "Prozac."
It's important to note that "Prozac" or any other anti-depression medication would not bring back the loved one. This is why it is important to treat depression on at least two fronts: Address the physical part of depression with medication and the mental part with therapy such as cognitive therapy with a trained therapist.
What's another option to deal with this type of depression? Self help. Reading a step-by-step plan on overcoming depression. (More later...)
Stressful Event(s)
Sometimes a single stressful event (as in the above example) can send someone into depression--even though their serotonin levels are normal. Or a combination of stressful events can cause some people to get depressed...
At 16 years young, my depression was so great that I attempted suicide by ramming my car into a grove of trees at over 120 mph! (When you read my story you'll be amazed I'm here with you now.) My problem was the result of a couple years of bad decisions that added stress upon stress - if you read my story you'll be able to relate.
Miraculously surviving my suicide attempt was a turning point in my life if there ever was one. I started looking for natural cures for depression because, for one thing, there was no such thing as depression medication like "Zoloft," and I just knew it was up to me to figure out how to outsmart depression. This was something that--at least in my case--could not be solved in a pill, no matter how "high-tech" the medical technology.
It's Usually Multiple Stressors Over Time
Usually, it's a series of events over time that gets people depressed. Take divorce, for example: Even though the word "divorce" describes a single event, it can lead to multiple highly stressful things happening to the divorcee all at once:
- Loss of a relationship: It was supposed to be "...to death do us part."
- Financial security gives way to financial worry.
- No more nice house and car.
- Daily contact with your kids is no more.
- Being forced to move. (Moving--by itself--is one of the most stressful events a person can endure--forced or not.)
...You get the idea.
Taught To 'Enjoy' Depression
It is strange, but some folks actually enjoy the sadness of depression... They are 'at home' with this feeling because they feel it's the most appropriate way to react to the death of a loved one or some other stressful event.
The real reasons for someone wallowing in depression are: One, it gets them personal one-on-one attention from people (their 'caretakers'). And two, it gives them 'permission' to let their daily responsibilities of life slide; they can stay in bed 'til late and avoid cooking and cleaning, for example, and nobody will say anything derogatory about their 'laziness.'
Psychologists tell us one theory is that they are "taught" this behavior as toddlers:
Your parents may have left you alone if you weren't whining or crying, figuring "he must be happy--let's not bother him." By only paying a attention to you if you cried about something, they've taught you a life lesson: Personal care and attention comes your way if you are in distress. - 16004
About the Author:
Find out which causes of depression could be affecting you right now. Also download your free special report, "How To Tell If It's Clinical Depression And Not Just The Blues." But more importantly, you'll find out how to treat and cure your depression the right way.
