Etiology of Depression

"I'm depressed!"- How often and how casually we use this phrase to describe our 'sordid state of affairs'. It is however, important to understand that mild depression can easily transform into a serious condition called clinical depression, which requires medication and therapy. It is a condition that is faced by people belonging to all age groups, from children, to teenagers, to middle-aged adults, and to the elderly, due to a combination of various conditions, that may be physical, psychological or environmental. To help us understand this condition better the various causes of depression are presented here.

The Physiological Etiology of Depression
The physiological causes that contribute to this condition are as follows:

• Biochemical Imbalance
  When there is a chemical imbalance in the body, mainly that results from the lack of neurotransmitters, it may lead to depression. It is a completely biological condition. Even hormonal imbalance, such as one occurring at the time of childbirth can lead to depression. This is known as postpartum depression.
• A Symptom of another Physical Problem
  Depression can occur as a symptom of other physiological problems, such as the presence of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, menopause, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and hypothyroidism. However, if it is a case of clinical depression, it should not considered as a symptom of another physical problem and seek help immediately.
• Genetic Conditions
  In some cases, depression is a condition that is just in the genes, though the study as to which genes cause depression is not complete. However, it is not true that if a family member suffers from depression, you too will definitely suffer from it, but it is still a cause.
• Gender
  Research studies have shown, that women are more prone depression, rather than men. Thus, gender is also partly responsible for this condition.
• Substance Abuse
  Several people consume alcohol and drugs in order to eliminate the symptoms of depression they experience. However, what they are unaware is, that one of the major withdrawal symptoms of such substances is depression. As such, substance abuse further contributes to depression.
• Nutrient Deficiency
  In several cases, the deficiency of nutrients such as folic acid and Vitamin B-12 leads to the development of depression.
• Medication
  The intake of several medicines may lead to, or worsen the existing depression in people. Medicines such as sleeping pills, pills to control blood pressure, and birth control pills contribute to this condition. Even medications to control anxiety, sometimes, leads to depression.

The Psychological Etiology of Depression
The psychological causes that contribute to this condition are as follows:

• Personality Traits
  People who possess certain personality traits such as pessimism, low self-esteem, anxiety or excessive worrying, hypersensitivity, fear of rejection, a sense of isolation from the others, a superiority or inferiority complex, and feelings of inadequacy are prone to depression. Some people are very dependent on others to fulfill their emotional needs. This leads them to develop high expectations from those persons. When those persons are unable to live up to those expectations, a natural result is depression due to low self-esteem and respect for oneself.
• Irrational Thought Process
  Due to errors in thinking that people develop, such as blaming themselves for their misfortune, and misinterpreting every fact in a way that will further lower their self-esteem which can be a step on the path towards depression. These errors in judgment and thinking lead them to believe that their future is going to be as negative as their perceived present, thus resulting in depression.
• Learned Helplessness
  People begin to assume that they are unable to control their environment and situation, assume that they are meant to deal with unfortunate events all their life, and adapt their mind to such a train of thought. This train of thought leads them to believe that there is nothing they can do to change their situation, which is why they don't make any attempt to do so. As such, this leads to pessimism, and apathy, and finally to depression.
• Stress
  Among the several health problems that are caused due to stress, depression is one of them. Prolonged emotional and physical stress ultimately leads to depression, as one feels helpless in an effort to deal with it.
• Obesity
  Though obesity is a physical condition, it results in several other physiological problems, its psychological impact can be devastating for some. The mere pressure to look good and to 'fit in', leads to a spiral downward in a person's self-image and ultimately ends up in depression. This cause of depression is primarily prevalent in children and teenagers. Depression can also occur in children or teens who are extremely thin and skinny.

The Environmental Etiology of Depression
A variety of environmental causes and situations also contribute to depression. These are as follows:

• Loss of Loved Ones
  The loss of a loved one, particularly at a young age, is a cause of depression. It could be the death of a parent, or a divorce that forces a child to experience such a loss. Also, women face the empty nest syndrome during middle age, when their kids move out and go off to college, leading them to believe that they have nothing to look forward to anymore. The deep emotional attachment with the loved one, does not easily allow people to move on.
• Perceived Failure
  When people believe that they have failed in any particular area of life, such as in a relationship, in a job, or academic underachievement among students, it leads to depression. The failure to achieve any particular goal that they had set, causes them anxiety, leading to depression. Though in some cases, people tend to set high goals, or goals that are unachievable over a short period of time. This begins to hurt the ego, and results in a hatred for oneself.
• Social Roles and Expectations
  The pressure to live up to a particular image, and sometimes the lack of ability to do so, often results in depression. Particularly among children and teens, the pressure to perform well in school, to be an all-rounder, and be the perfect son/daughter/sibling causes stress, leading to depression. Depression, particularly in teenage years is common, and may be the result of anything ranging from a break-up or failing to make it into the school sports team.

The ultimate treatment for depression is love, and the support of loved ones. When a person who is depressed knows that there is someone who will stand by him/her at all times, no matter what the situation, he/she is going to start feeling better immediately. Of course, the right therapy and medication is definitely essential in order to treat extreme depression. However, the magic that is cast by love and support, cannot be matched by any other form of treatment.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for the advice of a medical/mental health expert.