What is the cause of depression? What can we do to prevent this?

Question

This is for my grad school application, I guess I already know the causes...I'm more interested in different types of treatments :)

Answer 1

Many times the cause is a chemical imbalance, and other than getting to the doctor and taking meds we can't prevent it.

Of course, some new moms get depressed after childbirth--this is due to hormones, and also needs treatment

Some people get winter depression--it has to do with there being so few hours of daylight. There are special types of lighting for this--I do not know how expensive it is, where to get it, or what type of light it is.

Many people cannot be helped by therapy alone--some need to take meds for the rest of their lives. Some only need to take them on a short-term basis. Therapy is very important--if they can get to the root of where the depression has come from, sometimes a person will improve, and not need meds for an indefinite amount of time.

Remember, depression can kill! It is extremely important to be diagnosed by a health professional. If you are prescribed meds, you need to see the doctor very often--so she/he can monitor how the meds are working, and change the med or the doseage if necessary.

Answer 2

Almost anything can be a cause or trigger for depression. Ultimately, depression is because of an imbalance of hormones, which can be caused by a multitude of things. Trauma is a big factor in depression. Unfortunately, the things that lead to trauma in one's life cannot usually be prevented in any way. Low self esteem due to tough family life, or rough social lives can also be factors. In order to prevent this, love and accept yourself for who you are. Depression can also be triggered by the slightest of things, including certain foods, or even a stressfull test. The best way to protect yourself if to live life to the fullest and be grateful for what you have. If you always look at the glass as being half full you will probably never have a problem with depression.

Answer 3

The causes for depression are varied and many often individual to the sufferer. There is no magic list that you can say Ahha that's what caused it. Some may overcome their depression after therapy, because they have been led through its dark path to confront whatever fear or incident triggered it off. They may even still have relapses where the feeling of sadness and worthlesness returns for periods. Others never find their problems or have so many problems that it is impossible to recover due to the complexity of their interwoven phobias or fears.

Many of us suffer small bouts of depression when a loved one dies. We go through a process of shock, withdrawal, grieving before we climb back to reality or the recovery phase and get on with life.

Depression is not always preventable it doesn't just occur to boring ,quiet people. Some of those who have a happy outlook may well be suffering or be on the verge of depression. It takes experience to odten diagnose or recognise the onsets of depression in some people or even self.

Over the years there have been many approaches to therapy, Drug therapy, Insulin therapy and electo convulsive shock as well as group discussion therapy. One of the latest approaches is Light therapy.
The person is bombarded with bright artificial ilght for an hour or so, (like concentrated sunshine) This has had some incredible effects on many people.

Whilst we may not be able to prevent it we can learn to recognise it and get help for anyone who exhibits the signs. If you want to learn about depression and get involved with helping these people look up the support groups in your local phone book.

Answer 4

Though I'm not a doctor I do know a lot about depression so please do not take my advice fully, You need to consult a doctor with your issues.

Depression can be caused by many factors and I'm just going to list some and maybe you will fit into these categories. This can help you out because the key to fixing a problem is to 1st find out what your problem is and the cause of it.

1-Being Over weight, this can cause people to have a low self esteem with their self's. This can lead to people not being able to make friends or able to have a boyfriend or girlfriend. People that are over weight, most of them are self conscious and that isn't good. So if you are over weight, dint let it bother you, just simply do something about it and I will guarantee you will start to feel happier as each day goes by and better with your self.

2-Tragedy with a loved one or from a loved one. Many people have lost someone in their lives that has meant a great deal to them, and therefor cause sadness and anger issues to be held in and not let out. A lot of people don't like to talk about certain things and they hold it deep inside, so this can cause Depression. The best thing to do is talk to a good friend about it if you have one and keep talking about. Just make sure your friend is a good listener and not someone who will start blabbing about their personal life. You need a listener not a talker.
Also if you ever had someone do somethingn to you that they shouldnt. A lot of people keep this held deep inside and dont ever talk about. Not good, talk to someone you can trust and someone if you ask them not to tell, they wont.

3-Change of Life, Most young people go through what we call an adalesance change, when their bodys start to change ( hormones ) :) . This sometimes can have a serious effect on the way they see things. Some kids think that their parents are out to ruin their lives or that they are just being Azzes because of certain things. This is normal but remember, 9 out of 10 times its not your parents its you.

There is Peer pressure as well, A lot of kids especially young ladies feel that they have to do certain things maybe their other girl friends have done and because you have not done this yet you feel out of place. Or a boyfriend or girlfriend is pressuring you to do something you might not be ready for yet. Keep this in mind, Dont ever do something is you truly Do Not want to do it. Being depressed over it is quite normal but in all honesty dont lose sleep over it. :)

Answer 5

Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. I think most people will get at least a few periods of depression in their lives, because Life is so hard, but some of us get out of it right away. For those of us who don't, it can be caused by a number of things. Lack of self-esteem is one cause of depression; having a serious trauma, like a car accident or physical illness, can be another. It can even be genetic and/or environmental. The people you surround yourself with can help you or make it worse. I think you can get rid of it by thinking more positively, going out and doing things for yourself, and by going to a counselor and talking out your problems.

Answer 6

Among other things and from a biologial perspective, depression comes from an imbalance of serotonin in the brain. There are also environmental and hereditary factors as well, such as childhood traumas and if someone else in your family has had it. In my opinion the best way to keep it in check is to see a doctor to find out if medicine is needed and to see if therapy might help. It also helps to be good to yourself-eat right, sleep right and do nice things for yourself.

Answer 7

there can be many causes it is also hereditary, If you feel you have this condition you NEED TO SEE A DR.ASAP,or a cousinaler at your school. DEPRESSION is nothing to mess with you need to talk to someone. prevention is to talk to a professional . I am real concerned about you so get to someone SOONER THE BETTER, OK! go on line to a web sight called yellowribbon.com get one in your area. I was a part of the yellow ribbon group in my area they will help you!

Answer 8

Two primary causes: Perception of life (My glass is half empty) and chemical imbalances in the brain. See a doctor in either case.

Answer 9

Some real-life triggers are financial loss, death, moving away, stuck at a deadend in life, or maybe not happy with how we performed in life or who we turned out to be.

Answer 10

An oZ. of prevention is worth a Lb. of cure