Struggling with depression is difficult and not something anyone should have to deal with alone. Unfortunately, the very nature of depression can make it difficult for those suffering to reach out and get help. That is just what needs to be done though. People recover from depression everyday, reclaiming their joy and peace of mind. In order to do so, it is important to address all possible causes of feeling depressed. They can be multiple, including chemical imbalance and other health issues, lifestyle changes and other underlying issues, either present or past.

SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF DEPRESSED SYMPTOMS CONTINUE

Fortunately, the stigma that once surrounded seeking help is no longer present. Depression is real, and can have more than one cause. The first step in treating depression is determining its cause. One of the common sources of depression is a chemical imbalance. The brain does not produce enough of the “feel good” chemicals needed to keep mood balanced. If the brain does not produce enough of these chemicals, depression can result.

While this is a common cause for depression, it is not the only possibility. There are other physical conditions that can cause depressed feelings such as lack of energy and motivation, feelings of sadness or hopelessness and other symptoms associated with depression. Some examples of these would include thyroid problems, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal imbalance. For this reason, it is important to see a physician who can determine the cause of the symptoms.

OTHER CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are times when a bout of depression can be triggered by an event or situation. The death of a loved one, losing a job, moving away from family or battling a physical illness are all situations that can trigger depression. If a major event or life change has occurred and depressed feelings don’t go away after a few weeks, it is time to seek professional help.

It is important to note, however, that depression is not always caused by something specific. Sometimes it can occur without a known cause or warning. This can feel confusing, and lead the sufferer to feel guilty that they are feeling depressed for “no reason.”

THE DIAGNOSIS IS DEPRESSION, NOW WHAT?

When a diagnosis of depression has been given, the physician will often recommend a course of action that may or may not include medication. He or she will often suggest therapy in conjunction with medication, as well as other strategies to help alleviate depressed symptoms.

A multi-faceted approach to depression addresses both the chemical causes of depression as well as the other possible causes. Therapy can be enormously helpful. Often those who have suffered from depression have isolated themselves from family and friends. Self-esteem may have suffered, and if life events such as death, divorce or other issues triggered the depression, therapy can address those issues. Medication is a solution for chemical imbalance, but it won’t heal grief or trauma.

In addition to medication and therapy, there are many other tools that can be used to combat depression. Exercise has shown to be a natural and effective mood booster, and a healthy diet helps too. Other tools include activities such as journaling, meditation and art. Anything that is healthy and feels good can be used to help heal from depression. Good self-care is a step toward long-term recovery from depression.

Do you need more help with fighting depression? We are here to help.