Causes Of Depression

There are many causes of depression and depending on what the cause is for you will naturally lead to the best options for treatment.

There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters – chemicals that brain cells use to communicate – appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred.

Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can and does occur fequently in people without family histories of depression as well.

In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any situation that creates prolonged stress or anxiety may trigger depression. This is called situational depression. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger. Various illnesses and unhealthy habits can also cause or make depression that already exists worse. Other, less thought about reasons include:

Alcohol and Depression

Depression and Diabetes

Obesity and Depression

Depression and Heart Disease

Depression and Pain

Depression and Sleep Apnea

Depression and Substance Abuse

Diet and depression

Also, ending umhealthy habits can play a role like quitting smoking and depression.

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