Can a person be severely depressed without a cause?

Question

I know it's normal to be depressed for such things such as
still born babies
close deaths in families
or even a pet dying

but can people be depressed for nothing?
i know depression is a chemical imballance in the brain,
so i guess i'm asking if a person that hasn't have any devestating events happen to them to still be depressed

Answer 1

The answer is no, but don't be misled here. There is ALWAYS a cause for depression. It's just that the cause may not be apparent. Yes, people who experience the loss of a child, close family member, or beloved pet can become depressed, but it's also very possible for someone who has not experienced any of the things you mentioned to develop severe depression.

You're right -- the major cause of depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Research suggest some people are born that way, so they'll always need medication to feel "normal." Scientists also believe that head trauma injuries to babies, infants, toddlers, and young children can cause problems with depression later in life. Depression has also been tied to drug use -- and not just illegal drugs; we're also talking about certain prescription drugs here (but those cases are fairly rare).

So to answer your last question, it is possible for someone who has not had any devastating events happen to them to suffer from severe depression anyway.

Answer 2

Yes, absolutely. As you pointed out, the chemicals in our brain (serotonin and norepinephrine) that control mood are sometimes imbalanced. This is a biological cause for depression which has nothing to do with any environmental factors. Although, stressful events are certainly likely to increase depression more so in people who already have a chemical imbalance. There are several anti-depressant drugs on the market today which may be effective in treating people who have a chemical imbalance.

Answer 3

yeah some people are depressed for pretty much no reason. I was. Here are some dietary suggestions, etc. I'm not saying this will cure you, but it will eliminate some of the possible causes for you:

anyone who is depressive should take a good multivitamin most days with a meal. while you are at it take a calcium-magnesium-zinc pill, unless by some miracle you get enough calcium. (or you take a calcium-based antacid) also, get lots of beneficial fatty acids - particularly omega-3. take a couple grams of fish oil daily.

then try getting lots of sunlight. get some vigorous cardiovascular exercise as often as you can. practise good posture and learn a little about basic yoga postures and t'ai chi warmups.

eat a varied very high protein, high fiber diet low in saturated fats and refined carbs. shun additives and preservatives. you want fresh whole foods, not overcooked. eat leafy greens and colourful vegetables. eat tree nuts,eat fish, eat more fish, the more nutritious fruits (berries, etc.), herbs, legumes, and some grains. don't eat sweets or drink sweet/sour drinks. instead eat fruit. diet really really really matters. it has a slow cumulative effect.

stay hydrated. this can be a matter of simply avoiding certain foods that dehydrate you. try to get plenty of regular, restful sleep.

that's all that comes to mind. you might wanna check if you notice any effect from ginseng pills. If you use caffeine, try 3 weeks off. If that's no good, consider optimal dosage and timing relative to work/sleep.

Answer 4

Yes - there doesn't need to be "something" to be depressed about for a person to suffer from depression. It is a chemical imbalance that affects their emotions and their perception. It is hard to describe to someone that hasn't experienced it. A serious bout of depression makes you feel like you've been paralyzed. You just can't will yourself into action no matter how hard you try. There is no 'thing' involved though.

Answer 5

Sure. Depression can be caused by all kinds of things. Dysfunction in the chemicals can just happen, they dont need a reason.
Excessive drug and alcohol use in the past can cause it.
But you didnt mention how old you are.
If you are a teenager, well, most teens get upset. I did and all my friends did.
It's all part of living but if you think you might want to hurt yourself, or you just get tired of being sad all the time, then you need to get some doctor's help

Answer 6

Yes, just because they do have a chemical imbalalnce in their brain. You can look at so many people and they seen to have everything, money, great family, wonderful job....and they are so depressed they can hardly breathe. Depression can stike anyone at anytime.

Answer 7

Yes. Most people who have depression haven't had anything bad happen to them. They are just depressed for no reason. That's what makes it so hard. There isn't one thing you can do to fix the problem because there isn't always a problem.

Answer 8

Yes. Happiness is not a matter of consequences but a state of being. See site below on how depression can be helped.

http://www.phifoundation.org/heal.html

Answer 9

This is a very good blog, a beginner’s guide to abnormal psychology.
Short, clear and simple; and you can even post your question and contact the author regarding particular subject you are interested in, for FREE

http://sensitive-psychoworld.blogspot.com/

Answer 10

Yes a person can be depressed about nothing...i dont know how but its true.