Is depression a "chemical imbalance" or a natural consequence of the world and society we live in at present?

Answer 1

It can be either or a mixture of the two, but these are the main factors in the illness !! :)

Answer 2

I worked in a depression lab in which we essentially tried to determine whether negative events produce depression or does depression cause negative events? It's the which came first, the chicken or the egg question. We never got an answer. There have been good descriptions of the chemical nature of depression in previous postings: it's mostly a lack of serotonin. One can be predisposed to it, thus when subjected to negative events, the person would be more likely to become clinically depressed. Women are also prone to post-partum depression, and I'm sure you can imagine how the body chemicals are different after giving birth. If you tend to have negative though patterns, you could probably train yourself into being depressed, and this training would be reflected by a change in the chemical balance. So in sum, yes, depression is a chemical imbalance, but the question is "what causes the chemical imbalance". And that we still don't really know. It seems to be a mix of things: genetic and environmental.

Answer 3

It's cause could be either. Some people have a chemical imbalance that causes them to feel depressed and some people just have a hard time copong with the world that we live in, so they end up feeling depressed when they realize there is nothing they can do to change the world.

Answer 4

In my case, depression is purely a biochemical imbalance. When I take my medication (which is just about every day of my life), I am a calm, rational, and very happy individual.

But on those occasions when I've had to stop taking the meds due to other health problems, I turn into a suicidal puddle of doom and gloom in just a matter of a few days. The best way that I can describe my own biochemical depression is that it's like trying to think with a brain full of broken glass.

I know that depression takes many forms and has many causes. But based on my own experience, I strongly disagree with the theory that all depression has some basis in personality disorders. That's demonstratively NOT the case when it comes to my own situation.

Answer 5

Depression is both chemical imbalace and effected by our enviroment. It must last more then three months to be diagnosed as clinical depression. Depression is not just feeling sad all the time - you can't just snap out of it as those who are not depressed may think and feel of those who are truly depressed.

The entire makeup of our being is chemicals - what makes us happy, sad, tired, horny, hungry, etc... When you are hungry, you need to fuel that imbalance within you with food. Just as being depressed is an imbalace. It can be controlled without medication but most people do not know how or do not believe that is possible (and it is so much easier with meds).

Answer 6

Is the depression you are thinking of ~ a natural consequence of the world and society we live in at present, or a chemical imbalance ~ a form of static depression, or something that is movable (as it were)?

There are all levels of depression which are, at the worst, totally debilitating and or with suicidal desires.......

Just how one measures this state of mind, or state of being, is as difficult as is your question to answer, simply because there is an array of shades and tones and not ONE singular answer.

Sash.

Answer 7

If there is a problem that is depressing you then it's not a chemical imbalance. If there's no logical reason for you to be depressed then it could be down to a chemical imbalance. Please note that some anti-depressants can take up to three months before their effects are noticable and by then, if you did not have a chemical imbalance to start with, you could have.

Answer 8

Both i would say. Chemical imbalance is common - and looking at the state of the world and feeling helpless to change it can lead to feeling depressed..
Sometimes it's anger turned in on ourselves - maybe b/c we choose not to take control of our lives -- sometimes we just let things happen to us, rather than make choices, and then we either get depressed (withdraw and keep our feelings stuffed down) or we let the anger out.
A huge number of ppl who have depression are very creative ppl, and very sensitive ppl - i think sometimes creativity can be stifled which leads to depression - then it all goes round in a circle, and it difficult to get out..
I believe finding the *key* to ones depression is firstly being honest with ones self, and then making a decision as a problem arises, so taking control of what comes into your life, rather than just allowing things to happen to you..
Also just remembered this: after being depressed for yrs, the opposite can happen, which is all the anger we have stuffed down, suddenly rises to the surface - but personally i feel it's best to get it out and feel, can i say 'normal' again, rather than let depression control our lives - b/c when it's in control we have no life worth speaking of..
Although i must say there are ways to get it out without hurting others - so finding a way that suits us is important..a healthy way..
Hope I've made some sense : )
Blessings x

Answer 9

life has a chemical effect on the brain, that's the thing. everything you do marks you internally.

saying there's an 'imbalance' or effect on the brain doesn't explain cause one way or another.

i think the world offers more than enough opportunity to be depressed. to be cheery is to be insane. anger can be useful when directed constructively, but relies on focus and a certain reserve. it's really hard NOT to be depressed.

the key i think is to be selective about what you allow into experience (including media consumption, etc). I'm not advising sticking your head in the sand, but it's not good either to let the world's torment, sensationalised, headlined, wash over you.

The other thing is to act on your beliefs (once you know what they are).

Know who you are, do what you can.

Answer 10

Ultimately it is due to not knowing our constitutional position. We can become depressed due to so much trauma from our karma in life as well. which in turn causes chemical imbalances in the brain. No doubt the world is messed up, but if one realizes their eternal self one can transcend all material problems in life. First one should know that-
We are not this material body, IE; Race, color, nationality, Religion, mind, intellect, senses, job, etc. We are all eternal spirit souls, part and parcel of the Supreme Soul, also known as Krishna, Allah, Jehovah, Vishnu, etc. We never die, only this mortal body dies. This material world is not our real home, it is called Maya (illusion) and is temporary and full of misery, only one fourth of the souls come here, and the rest are enjoying blissful eternal loving relationships with our Maker named above. We fell here due to envying Gods position. He made the material world for those who want to try to live separately from Him (Which is impossible because He is actually everywhere). After many lifetimes of trying to be happy in this temporary world, one becomes frustrated and board and begins to question their existence. We then seek out real happiness, and when one becomes sincere God reveals how to come back Home. Those who are intelligent, take up the process of self realization (Bhakti Yoga), which begins with the chanting of the Maha Mantra, (the great mantra for deliverance from all suffering and illusion), which gives one real peace, happiness and reality. Then at the end of life, they can give up all material attachments and fully surrender to God and return to the eternal Kingdom, where there is no more birth, death, old age, or disease and be eternally happy. For info. Go to harekrishnatemple.com Read Bhagavad Gita- As it is by Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada asitis.com can be read on line.

Answer 11

Some people are prone to depression because of chemical imbalances. They can have what is called "organic depression" which is not caused by outside events but by biochemisty. Other types of depression can be caused by events (such as a death of a loved one). It is more likely that organic depression causes systematic problems throughtout life.