Interesting Facts About Depression

Depression can often be dismissed as a simple case of sadness. We all feel down from time to time, and a patch of the blues doesn't necessarily constitute a full-bore psychological disorder. Clinical depression, however, is much more pervasive than that. It often lasts for extended lengths of time, even when there's no apparent cause, and can make the patient's life miserable if it isn't properly treated. Luckily, proper therapy and a doctor's care can often cure it, and the prognosis for those who seek help is usually extremely positive.

Causes

• Depression can arise from a number of different causes, not all of which are completely understood. Many studies suggest a biochemical imbalance in the brain may be involved, and the presence or absence of certain neurotransmitters plays a role in it. Genetic factors may be involved as well, as can hormonal imbalances created by the onset of menopause and the like. Psychologically, sensitive people or those with low self-esteem are more likely to develop depression, and childhood traumas often contribute to an adult onset of the disorder. Single incidents such as divorce or the loss of a loved one may play a role too, and in certain cases it may be a combination of factors.

Diagnosis

• Depression rarely becomes dangerous to the patient's health, except when it goes untreated. Chances of seriously disruptive behavior, even suicide, are higher among those who don't seek help for depression than those who do. Men, while less at risk for depression than women, are more likely to develop suicidal thoughts over depression precisely because they are conditioned to "suck it up" rather than ask for help.

Treatment

• Many people think that antidepressant medication is the standard treatment for depression. Though often useful, medication doesn't constitute a magic bullet to cure the condition. It works by influencing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain---usually serotonin, which plays a role in mood. That can stabilize the patient's emotional swings, but doesn't address the root of the problem. Regular psychological ("talk") therapy, on the other hand, often isolates the causes of depression and can equip the patients with healthy ways of addressing it.

Susceptibility

• Depression affects some 50 million people in the United States alone, and while anyone can develop it, certain demographics are more vulnerable than others. Women are twice as likely as men to develop depression, attributable both to hormonal specifics in a woman's body and in conflicting cultural stressors about women's roles in society. The elderly are also more likely to develop depression, as isolation and physical slowdown associated with age contribute to negative emotions.

Home Remedies

• While depression is a serious condition requiring professional medical treatment, people can take steps on their own to help curtail its impact. A highly favored step is developing a regular exercise regimen. Physical activity produces hormones that boost mood and energy levels, as well as leaving less time to sit and stew in negative emotions. Staying away from drugs and alcohol can help, too, as can cultivating healthy relationships with people who validate and support you rather than attack your self-esteem.