You may feel you know exactly why you're depressed. Other times,
however, the reasons for depression are not as clear. The causes of
depression are quite complex. Very often it is a combination of genetic,
psychological, and environmental factors. Regardless of the cause,
depression is almost always treatable. You do not need to determine the
cause of your depression to get help.
Biological factors: You may have heard about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness. Depression does seem to have a biological component. Research suggests that depression may be linked to changes in the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Current research focuses on the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine systems. The usefulness of antidepressant medications suggests that brain chemistry is involved in depression. However, it is also possible that biological changes happen as a result of being depressed.
Some kinds of depression seem to run in families, suggesting a biological vulnerability. This seems to be the case with bipolar depression and, to a lesser extent, severe major depression. However, having a biological vulnerability does not mean you are destined to become depressed. Not everyone in a family develops depression, suggesting that other factors are involved. In addition, depression can occur in individuals who have no family history of depression.
Stress: Psychological and environmental stressors can contribute to a depressive episode. Common stressors among college students include:
Biological factors: You may have heard about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness. Depression does seem to have a biological component. Research suggests that depression may be linked to changes in the functioning of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Current research focuses on the serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine systems. The usefulness of antidepressant medications suggests that brain chemistry is involved in depression. However, it is also possible that biological changes happen as a result of being depressed.
Some kinds of depression seem to run in families, suggesting a biological vulnerability. This seems to be the case with bipolar depression and, to a lesser extent, severe major depression. However, having a biological vulnerability does not mean you are destined to become depressed. Not everyone in a family develops depression, suggesting that other factors are involved. In addition, depression can occur in individuals who have no family history of depression.
Stress: Psychological and environmental stressors can contribute to a depressive episode. Common stressors among college students include:
- Academic demands
- Transitions-re-entry to school, being new to Berkeley
- Balancing school, work, family, social life
- Financial responsibilities or worries
- Family concerns
- Social isolation
- Difficulties in relationships with friends and romantic partners
- Being on one's own in a new environment
- Exposure to new ideas, new people, and temptations
- Awareness of sexual identity and orientation
- Preparing for life after graduation, career decision-making
A major loss, chronic illness, relationship problems, work stress,
family crisis, or unwelcome life changes can often trigger a depressive
episode, even in individuals without a family history or genetic
predisposition.
Psychological Tendencies: Psychological make-up can play a role in vulnerability to depression. People with low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or are readily overwhelmed by stress, may be especially prone to depression.
Alcohol or Other Drug Use: A lot of depressed people, especially young adults and men, have problems with alcohol or other drugs. Sometimes the depression comes first and people try alcohol or other drugs as a way to escape it. Other times, the alcohol/drug use comes first, and the drug itself, or withdrawal from it, or the problems caused by substance use, may lead to depression. Sometimes you can't tell which came first. The important point is that when you have both of these problems, the sooner you get treatment, the better. If you are taking medication for depression and abusing alcohol or other drugs, your medication will not work effectively. Medication should never be discontinued without talking to your doctor.
Psychological Tendencies: Psychological make-up can play a role in vulnerability to depression. People with low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or are readily overwhelmed by stress, may be especially prone to depression.
Alcohol or Other Drug Use: A lot of depressed people, especially young adults and men, have problems with alcohol or other drugs. Sometimes the depression comes first and people try alcohol or other drugs as a way to escape it. Other times, the alcohol/drug use comes first, and the drug itself, or withdrawal from it, or the problems caused by substance use, may lead to depression. Sometimes you can't tell which came first. The important point is that when you have both of these problems, the sooner you get treatment, the better. If you are taking medication for depression and abusing alcohol or other drugs, your medication will not work effectively. Medication should never be discontinued without talking to your doctor.
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