Depression, like most mental health disorders, is a complex disease. It is characterized by persistently low mood, feelings of emptiness and negative esteem about oneself.  It affects the way a person feels about oneself and the way one thinks about the world. 

Severe depression interferes with an ability to function, feel pleasure or maintained an interest in previously enjoyable hobbies.

Depression can occur at any age, but most commonly begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. It is a complex illness where multiple causative factors acts at different levels. It is not a disease that has one specific cause. The condition most likely results from a complex interplay of  individual, environmental and social factors. It’s often a combination of factors that can contribute to developing depression.

Everyone is different. People differ by biological characteristics, parenting style, thinking pattern, coping skills and mental resilience. Therefore, some people are more prone to develop depression compared to others. 

There are certain risk factors that enhance susceptibility of an individual for development of depression.

Genetic vulnerability

Depression is known to run in families. According to research studies, genetic is one of the strong predictors of the onset of depression. These studies have suggested a role of heritable components enhancing a risk of depression within families. Someone with first-degree relatives (parents or siblings) diagnosed with depression are three times more likely to develop depression in their lifetime compared to the general population.

The genes thought to be associated with depression have diverse function in the brain. Some of these genes control synthesis, transport and activity of neurotransmitter. Some genes are involved in growth, maturation and maintenance of neurons and ability of the connections in between neurons to change and adapt over time in response to experience.

Brain chemistry 

People with depression sometimes have a lower level of specific neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals messengers in the brain. Their job is to transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells.  The nerve cells of the brain use neurotransmitters to communicate with each other. These messages help to regulate various functions of a body such as breathing, digestion, sleep and mood. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. 

Serotonin, also known as happy hormone, is best known for its ability to improve overall sense of well-being. Reduced levels of serotonin can contribute to depression in some people. Low levels of serotonin typically occur for two reasons : not having enough serotonin or insufficient use of serotonin. In the first scenario, body does not produce enough serotonin to maintain normal levels. In the second one, body have enough serotonin but brain cells doesn’t have enough receptors to utilize it effectively.

Severe life stressors

Chronic stress or challenging life events early in life could be a risk factor for development of depression. Inability to meet the constant demands of life leads to excessive and prolonged stress. In chronic stress, a person can feel overwhelmed and emotionally drained.  

Stress and depression share a bidirectional relationship. Long-term stress can activate physiological stress response resulting in depression. On the other hand, depression affects appetite, sleep pattern and ability to concentrate that further enhances a stress level.

Stressful life events such as relationship issues, unemployment, financial problems, or childhood abuse play a critical role in a person’s risk of developing depression. A strain of challenging circumstances acts as major risk factors for depression. 

Negative thinking pattern 

The link between negative thinking pattern and depression is cyclical. 

Negative thinking pattern can manifest as incorrect assumptions, unrealistic self-criticism and even the denial of reality itself leading to depression. On the other side, depression leads to gloomy mood and negative thinking.

When a harmful pattern of thoughts occurs repeatedly can lead to untrue and unrealistic conclusions or even distortion of reality. These distortions are nothing but errors in thinking. 

It includes self-deprecating thought patterns such as thinking yourself unworthy of love and success, believing everyone hates you or blaming yourself for past mistakes. The negative thought pattern can also be projected onto other people such as blaming others for your personal problems or believing everyone is lying. These insecure, self-destructive, or nihilistic thinking makes people to hold a harmful self-belief about themselves. This in turn reduces individual’s ability to effectively use coping strategies to overcome challenges. 

Chronic illness 

Chronic illnesses that impair the quality of life of a person enhance susceptibility for development of depression. Chronic illness is a disease or condition that usually lasts for 3 months or longer and may get worse over time. Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes or arthritis can usually be controlled but not cured. Therefore, such illnesses require ongoing medical attention. 

Chronic illness brings major life changes that alter daily activities of living, ability to work, personal relationships and plans for future. The physical disability also limit person’s ability to exercise, socialize, or enjoy hobbies. Therefore, diagnosis of chronic illness can increase feeling of sadness, anger, or even grief. The resultant stress and worry of coping with a serious illness can lead to depression.

Personality 

Person having particular type of personality are more at risk of developing depression. People who are emotionally sensitive and introvert are more likely to experience negative thoughts. Anxious people worry a lot, catastrophize, or have a tendency for taking things personally. Shy people view social interaction with others as threatening in comparison to the safety of their own company. Perfectionist are more prone to self-criticism. All these personality traits lead to significant distress and disruption in mental health. 

A person with disturb mental health experience marked changes in mood and behavior. This leads to inability to cope with daily activities of living and marked mood swings.

Depression is a medical condition that requires certain expertise to diagnose. So the first thing is don’t entangle yourself in the process of self-diagnosis. Better way is to consult a psychiatrist to know whether you are depressed or not.

Disclaimer

Mediclin Brain Health’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.