How often do you think depression is actually caused by a simple chemical imbalance?

Answer 1

It depends because it has been shown to be genetic, so yes a lot of times it is a chemical imbalance. It is also believed that some hormones in the body are involved like estrogen and progesterone. But, if your daily life is not stressful or aggravating then you probably would not suffer from it so another important aspect is the social side. Some people do use depression as just a way to get attention, but there are others out there who actually have it and for long periods of time (sometimes years). There is also "smiling depression" where people hide the fact that they are depressed and appear overly happy or excited. Severe depression usually requires medicine and treatment (usually cognitive), which together is supposedly the best method to overcome it. There are children who develop depression early on because of family troubles and it becomes a normal feeling. Look into psychology with studies on learned helplessness, which can lead to depression, and look into depression. For the people who say that they should just snap out of it, it isn't that easy, a lot of times it becomes a way of life. Believe me, you wouldn't want to have depression for a long time, it is often very debilitating.

Answer 2

Oh, a trick question. Very good.

Yes depression is a chemical imbalance but normal body function and social function creates balance. So if you have acceptable socialisation, exercise, diet, meditation practices, healthcare... you know, all the things we have to do to take care of ourselves, then depression is not likely going to be able to set in because the body will balance its own chemicals. Stressful situations(like a loved one passing) can cause a temporary condition, but if it is handled appropriately the body is made to recover from that as well.
The theory that the body simply isn't doing its job is rather grandios, in my opinion and my experience with depressed people.

Answer 3

Honestly, i think the chemical imbalance might occur from something that actually made you sad...and then the downward spiral begins, because even when you genuinely want to come out of a depression, your mind and body make it hard for you...so you basically have to fight to come out of it....and anyone who´s been depressed knows that, ...when you feel like that the last thing you wanna do is fight....depression somehow kills all your motivation and positive-life-changing inspiration and it just makes you wish that someone would come into your life and save you from your misery. Its very hard.

Answer 4

It is only natural to feel a little depressed when your life is a pile of crap. I don't think doctors should be so eager to pass out anti-depression medication like trick or treat candy. Some people don't live in reality and that is where the problem starts. Granted there are plenty of people that really need it and they should get it but come on life sucks every once and a while. Some people are looking for an easy way out and it doesn't exist. I don't care to be one of those people, I don't need any kind of drugs to produce a false sense of happiness.

Answer 5

I think people beg for depression meds screaming that it's a chemical imbalance when what they really need is to be sad then suck it up and realize that life's not fair. If you just take medicine and don't deal with the problem, it will depress you forever.

Answer 6

It's not that I think this often, it is that that's what it IS. Now, many things can trigger it, but the workings of the brain not creating seretonin are the same.

(Added later)
Those of you who think depression is just a bunch of crap have obviously never been there. It is very easy to judge when you've never been affected. I live a very healthy life and still suffer from depression. Just praise God that you've never had to deal with it. I wouldn't even wish it on my worst enemies.

Answer 7

I dont think it is ever totally one reason or thing,I think it is a combination of many things.Life,trauma,yes even and imbalance,but it is not one set factor.Even the strongest of people can only take so much before even they fall into depression

Answer 8

This would take a very long answer for me to state and explain my veiws. I will just say in my opinion less than 20% and that all acute depression is a Spiritual defect, not a mental thing.

Answer 9

I know that it is but I can't give a percentage of when it is chemical or not. I think a clue that there is some bad chemistry is when it is persistent and things that normally cheer you don't and you don't want them anyway.

Answer 10

it is alot of things, but mostly a chemical imbalance.