What causes depression? It’s a difficult question to answer. So difficult, in fact, that medical science still does not have a perfect answer. For now, we know that people become depressed for different reasons, due to factors both environmental and biological. Some people know exactly where their depression comes from, whereas others may have depression seemingly for no reason.
Why Am I So Depressed?
Any of the following factors can contribute to the development of a depressive disorder:
- Biological factors, such as physical changes in the brain itself
- Brain chemistry and the way neurotransmitters respond to stress
- Changes in hormones – for instance, during pregnancy or after delivery
- Inherited traits from family members, such as family members who have struggled with depression in the past
- Personality traits like low self-esteem or being too dependent on others
- Going through traumatic or stressful events like abuse or the loss of a loved one
- Personal history of other mental health disorders
- Substance abuse
- Serious or chronic health conditions
How To Relieve Depression Symptoms
Social Support
Depression has a powerful socially isolating effect and makes you feel like you have to defeat it 100% on your
own. It destroys any chance you have of seeing yourself in an objective sense and makes tasks seem much more impossible than they actually are. Depression will put significant strain on your personal and professional life.
The first step in your wellness journey should be to reach out for support. This support can take on several forms, whether it be close friends, family, a therapist, a doctor, or a support group. The most important part of this is knowing that others can help you get better.
Do Something You Like
This is an obvious tip, but not necessarily an easy one. Depression can make even things you used to really enjoy become a serious undertaking, with your symptoms getting in the way of having any sort of fun. Self-care is important too; take some time to try to make yourself enjoy something, as paradoxical as that sounds.
Spending some time with people or things you enjoy can help to reduce stress levels and strengthen your resolve against the symptoms of depression.
If this becomes too overwhelming, don’t worry. You can retreat to your comfort zone, it will be there waiting for you. The goal is not to get rid of the comfort zone, but instead to keep expanding it until you can fit your everyday life inside of it.
Get Treatment
There should be no shame for seeking treatment for any health condition, depression among them. No one else can really understand the struggle you are going through, so the only person who can really judge if you deserve treatment is yourself.
Depression treatment is entering a bright new age thanks to traditional treatments and innovative new techniques like ketamine infusion therapy alike. With the right treatment, you can find relief from your symptoms.
Contact us today to learn more about our innovative new treatment options.