Why causes depression?
Depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain called neurotransmitters. Genetics, hormones, stress, health issues, medications, and life events like childhood mistreatment or family problems can trigger it. Hormonal changes, such as after pregnancy or menopause, may also contribute. Researchers are exploring genes linked to depression.
Depression symptoms in children and teens ?
In young children, depression may show as sadness, irritability, clinginess, worry, physical aches, and refusal to go to school. In teens, symptoms include sadness, irritability, anger, poor school performance, substance use, overeating or sleeping too much, self-harm, and social withdrawal.
How do you know that you are depressed?
People with depression feel low for at least two weeks, often feeling sad, hopeless, or cranky most days. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Other symptoms include changes in sleep, energy loss, guilt, trouble concentrating, irritability, and thoughts of death. If you’re experiencing these, see a doctor.
What are the symptoms of depression in older adults?
Depression in adults is not a normal part of aging and often goes undiagnosed. Older adults may hesitate to seek help and experience symptoms like memory issues, personality changes, fatigue, sleep problems, loss of appetite, and a lack of interest in social activities. In some cases, particularly in older men, suicidal thoughts are common when depression is present.
What are the risk factors?
Women are more likely to experience depression, possibly due to seeking help more often. Traits like low self-esteem, dependency, and pessimism can contribute, as can traumatic events such as abuse, loss, or financial struggles. A family history of depression, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, or suicide increases risk, as do chronic illnesses, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder
What really causes depression, and what are the factors responsible for it?
An imbalance of chemicals in the brain like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, inflammation and high cortisol levels, and medical conditions like thyroid ailments, diabetes, and heart disease may be responsible. Psychological and stress factors play a major role. Chronic stress or trauma, social isolation or loss of a loved one, and a family history of depression are common too. Depression is 2,3 times more common in people with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and arthritis.
What is the treatment of depression?
Lifestyle and behavioural therapy includes regular exercises that release happy hormones like endorphins and serotonin. Healthy diet, adequate sleep, mindfulness, meditation or yoga, and social engagement. There are excellent medications available to treat depression with minimal side effects. They should be taken under a doctor’s supervision and should not be withdrawn abruptly. They are for long-term use. In severe cases, ECT which is shock therapy is used in severe, suicidal, or cases resistant to medication.
When to take urgent help?
Emergency symptoms include suicidal thoughts, or self-harm, severe weight loss or refusal to eat, hallucinations, and delusions.
