The Causes of Depression

Depression, it’s something all of us have experienced at some point and time in our lives, whether it was for a day or for years. Most of the people that it affects aren’t even aware of the serious complications depression creates and if they are they don’t admit to themselves they would be clinically diagnosed with depression. It is the second most common health problem; anxiety is the first. Depression is known as the common cold of mental illness. There are many causes for depression. They consist of psychological, genetic, hereditary, or environmental. Psychological depression can be a result of a death of a family member. This is also known as mourning. Serotonin and norepinephrine, a chemical produced in the brain, is not produced in an adequate amount. This is the effect of genetic depression. This causes the feeling of intense sadness. Environmental depression is also known as S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). This is caused when a person is sensitive to seasonal changes. Hereditary is the most common causes and it is also tricky. It is passed down from past generations and sometimes the defect skips generations. There are several types of depression. There are manic depression, clinical depression, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and postpartum depression. Manic depression is an extremity of moods, going from sheer happiness to severe depression. Premenstrual syndrome and postpartum depression are found only in women. Premenstrual syndrome is caused by hormone changes prior to menstruation. Many women suffer postpartum depression after giving childbirth. Many people who are severely depressed, don’t want to believe they are suffering. If they are left untreated, it can result in alcohol and/or drug abuse, disturbed relationships, criminal activities, homicide, or possibly suicide. Many parents of depressed children don’t know their children are suffering.