What Causes Depression
Scientists don't have one single answer for what causes depression. On top of that, there are a combination of symptoms and contributing factors that make it difficult to pinpoint one description for depression. All of this confusion surrounding depressive illness has contributed to myths and tales about depression that have no basis in fact.
To help clear things up, let's take a look at some of the facts and myths about what causes depression.
Myth: The cause of depression is imaginary.
Fact: Depression stems from a combination of things, including brain chemistry, environmental issues, genetics and psychology, none of which are contrived. The bottom line is that while scientists don't know precisely what causes depression, they do know that it is a real, physical brain disorder that has real, physical symptoms. Yes, depression is in the mind, but it is definitely not imaginary.
Myth: Depression is caused by being weak.
Fact: A person's perceived strength or weakness has nothing to do with what causes depression. Depression is brought on by physical changes in the brain that affect how it functions. Depression can strike anyone, and although the onset can come during low times in a person's life, that is purely environmental and has nothing to do with the physical or mental strength of the depressed person.
Myth: Depression is the result of bad parenting.
Fact: Depression can have its roots in genetics, but there are other contributing factors like biochemistry, environment and psychology. Even though depression may run in the family, circumstantial, situational and psychological issues also contribute to changes in the depressive mind. Additionally, depression can happen to someone who has no family history of mental illness at all.
Myth: Everyone has "Depression" every now and then.
Fact: The type of depression this statement refers to is not disabling and is a normal part of life. Depression as an illness, however, is a physical sickness that is caused by a number of environmental, medical and psychological factors that combine to change brain function. Although many people do become depressed after experiencing some type of traumatic life event, that type of depression passes in a relatively short amount of time. A person with major depression does not recover after a few days of feeling sad and blue.
Myth: Depression has no cure.
Fact: Even though research has not yet revealed exactly what causes depression, there are treatments available that are very effective and successful. Depression is frequently treated with antidepressant medication, which must be prescribed by a doctor. There are a wide variety of antidepressants on the market today, and finding the correct one may take time, but positive results are well worth it. Psychotherapy is also a major part of the healing process for most people with depression.
The important thing about learning what causes depression is to separate fact from fiction and seek out help whenever it is needed.