why do we get depressed??

Question

why do we get so depressed, i just dont understand how we can get so unhappy and miserable that we dont want to get up in a morning-iv suffered from depression for a year now, im only 18! is it a proper illness like chicken pox etc or is it just are minds going mental? or realising the truth about life? what do u think?

Answer 1

I don't think it's everybody. Some people have more tendency to feel down. It's definitely to a great extend about an individual's chemicals in the brain.
Some people are just naturally relaxed, large and carefree and some people are just the opposite. So if it's bothering you to a degree that it interferes with your life and your functions there is nothing wrong to go and ask a doctor's help. There is different medications to help you feel not depressed.

Answer 2

Depression has numerous causes - if you stayed up late long enough and compromised your sleep long enough you could slide into depression simply because your brain chemicals are out of whack.

Yes, depression is an actual illness. You are not going mental. As for the truth about life - that can be depressing but "depressing" is not the same as "causing depression". THank speakers of 20th Century slang for that little confusion!

Treatment for depression usually works for most people, most of the time. If you think there are a lot of qualifiers in that statement you are right: most depression can be treated. Some people's depression is resistant to drugs though there is a new neural implant that appears to be working. Some people have a series of depressions (probably a glitch in their brains' metabolism of serotonin) and most of the time the drugs work.

Talk therapy (psychiatry, group therapy) also works and, oddly enough, in many instances the depression resolves without intervention.

Answer 3

Some people get the 'blues' from unfortunate life circumstances and poor mental habits. Others suffer from a chemical deficit or imbalance in certain brain chemicals. Some have both, poor devils! Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine has a really good chapter on depression and also on bipolar disorders and talks at length on mental well being in the first part of the book.
Moderate to severe depression needs professional intervention, but milder forms may be handled with the suggestions in EONM in some cases.
Book is available on Alibris.com if you can't find it locally.

Answer 4

Depression is a real illness with an imbalance of the neurotransmitters in the brain, Serotonin and norapinepherine.

There is no definitive cause although what is called Reactive Depression is caused by a trauma/loss.

it is a genuine illness, sadly often misunderstood even by our families.
treatment is available but sometimes it takes a while to get the right medication or combination to suit the individual patient.
Many patients feel guilty, not helped by comments like 'snap out of it"
Serotonin is the main neurotransmitter in the brain that controls mood and sleep and too little causes depression.

30% of the average population will have depression at some time in their lives and it is more common in women.

Keep trying to stay in a routine and get proper diet and exercise. set goals, however small, and most important get medical help

Answer 5

Depression is a real illness. It's caused by an inbalance of chemicals in the brain which can be sparked off by something like a birth, death etc. But can also just appear for no reason. Some anti depressants are very good and therapy can also help. You need to see your GP and not worry or be embarrased about it. Don't be put off by people who say "what are you depressed about?" or "pull yourself together". It's not them suffering. Get it sorted.

Answer 6

Depression can be causitive, which is to say a predictable reaction to bad news and a collection of difficult circumstances or an untenable situation, as for example when you have to deal with bereavement when somebody you love dies. Or you can suffer from clinical depression. No obvious trigger, like a death or job-loss, but just as real and just as hard to shake. There is plenty to suggest that it has to do with "brain chemicals": that you are not producing enough "happy" chemicals, opr that your reactions to situations don't "fit" or are out of proportion, apparently, with the situations themselves.

We all get sad, weepy, "the blues" from time to time. That's absolutely normal and predictable. But that is not depression. True depression is a clinical illness that may require a multi-disciplinary approach - medication, (anti-depressants,) psychotherapy, (talking therapy,) and adjustmesnts to lifestyle including cognitve therapies, diet changes and more exercise. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that those of us who live north of the Equator have to cope with seasonal depression, caused by incrementally reducing sunlight hours, or SAD as it is otherwise known.

If you are, or believe you may be suffering from depression, please don't hesitate to seek medical advice. You are not going crazy and no body who knows anything will see it as "weak". Those who would tell you to "pull yourself together" have no idea what is the reality of life for you. You may as well tell someone in the terminal stages of cancer to get over themself!

Your GP is the first port of call. He may suggest anti-depressants and that may be something you want to find out about before you dismiss the idea out of hand. If it is about an imbalance of brain chemnicals, compare that with a bacterial infection. You try to let your immune system deal with it but sometimes you need help from anti-biotics; yes? These drugs have come a long way since people were turned into addictive zombies. It's true they take a while to kick in, but after a few weeks, or even less, they can start to help you to feel that you may be able to take responsibility for your life again. If you had a headache, you'd take paracetamol;, right? If you had a brain tumour, you'd ask if it could be removed or shrunk, right? Same philosophy.
Depression can be a crippling illness, and some people take longer and need more tools to help deal with it. But you can improve. You can see light again. You could even find ways to learn to love your life again, BUT you have to acknowledge it and ask for help.

I urge you to begin. Good luck. Best wishes.

Answer 7

I think depression is an illness. One that should be treated with either therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Every one gets sad, worn down, frustrated... But if it's to the point you can't get out of bed in the morning... It's bigger than just feeling a little blue... See your doc.

Answer 8

In my case - low light levels; much worse in the winter time. Something to do with the amount of Melatonin reaching the brain through the eye.
Loneliness - I believe, also contributes a lot to depression.
So... try and get out to take your mind off things; Even going for a walk, will lift your spirits; ring people up for a chat - it's surprising how a quick chat with someone can just get you going.
I know its difficult, & a lot of people don't understand. But be positive, and try and push yourself to do things to get out of it.
...Ask a question on 'Yahoo', that's always good.

Answer 9

Hi
Depression is a chemical reaction in that it is a lack of Serotonin in the brain (the happy hormone). Temporary depression is a reaction to our environment, whereas clinical depression is this lack of the happy hormone.

If this is a regular occurrence, then I suggest visiting your doctor to discuss strategies, or alternatives. Depression does not necessarily mean taking pills, although this may be an option.

Answer 10

Im 14 and i have been depressed for 3 years. I have no idea why