The Causes of Depression

You must understand that depression is normal. It is a symptom of something upsetting the balance in your life. There are many causes for depression, as you will see in the list below. The causes may be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

MOST COMMON CAUSES

• The factor that contributes a lot to depression is a sense of deprivation, or simply a feeling of being lost.  This sense of loss may be real or just in the mind.
• Common things like not getting enough rest or not eating properly can cause depression.
• Certain drugs can affect a person’s moods.  All drugs affect the body and the mental processes in some way.  If a drug produces noxious results in the brain or nervous system, extreme depression could be the consequence.  Toxic depression happens when a person takes too much of a drug or tranquilizer over a long period of time.  This kind of depression and drug toxicity will clear up in a day or so after the drug is no longer in the system.  You must remember that when you start feeling strange while taking a medication, consult your medical doctor.

PHYSICAL CAUSES

The following are some physical causes of depression:

·        Hepatitis

·        Hypoglycemia

·        Infections

·        Brain or nervous system disorders

·        Glandular disorders

·        Low thyroid

·        Hyperthyroidism

·        Excessive ovarian hormonal irregularities

 MENTAL CAUSES

·        Pessimistic and Defective Thinking

You’ve probably heard many times in your life that “It’s all in the mind.”  This can never be truer.  If you think that your life is in the dumps, then it probably is.  If you think that the problems you face are exciting challenges that will lead you closer to success, instead of thinking of them as real unsolvable problems, then you probably won’t feel depressed.  It all depends on your attitude. 

·    Impractical Expectations Not Attained

If you’re expecting to be promoted as manager, but someone else gets the job, then re-assess yourself if you really deserve to get the position.  If you do not deserve, then work harder and don’t get disappointed.  If you are worthy for the job but your efforts are not being noticed, then forget about it.  Shift your focus on other worthwhile goals.  Life is too short to be spent on things beyond our control.  

Poor people tend to be more depressed because the television, radio, and newspapers have informed them that there are so many things out there to buy and own, yet they don’t have the money.  They buy lottery tickets and sweepstakes in the hope of getting rich someday.  They should stop making these unrealistic expectations and should just work hard and smart to attain their goals.  They should be contented with what they already have, and should strive to improve their lives.

·        Reactive Depression or Grief Reaction

This occurs after the loss of a loved one, job, or other important aspects of your life. This usually lessens as time goes by.  The loss of a partner, close friend, or relative brings on this kind of emotional reaction.  Just realize and accept the fact that everything in this world has an end. 

·        Rage or Anger Held Back 

Experiencing anger is extremely dangerous to your health.  It causes your adrenaline and blood pressure to rise up at above normal levels. Moreover, you could end up hurting someone or doing something that you will regret later on if you can’t control it.  But if you hold it back, it’s very unhealthy and can cause serious depression.