Disabling Disorders: Depression And Its Effects On The Brain

Depression is the starting problem of many health problems. This mental health problem is affecting millions of people. An individual may slowly carve a path to become depress if they fall under the risk factors. The risk factors of depression can vary from person to person. Most common risk factors are genetics, traumatic events, history of depression, and the use of drugs.

Affecting millions (Better Health Channel, 2015) of people each year, adults, children, men and women alike, when treated correctly it can be controlled. Depression can be caused by a variety of factors such as, bullying, discrimination, alcohol and drug use, low self-esteem and poor body image although it may not be completely the same from person to person.

Depression is an illness, which means it affects an organ, the brain. There are three parts of the brain that appear to play a role in depression: the hippocampus, amygdala and the prefrontal cortex. “The hippocampus stores memories and regulates the production of a hormone called cortisol. The body releases cortisol during times of physical and mental stress, including during times of depression. Problems can occur when excessive amounts of cortisol are sent to the brain due to a stressful event or a chemical imbalance in the body. In a healthy brain, brain cells (neurons) are produced throughout a person’s adult life in a part of the hippocampus called the dentate gyrus. In people with MDD, however, the long-term exposure to increased cortisol

Signs and symptoms of depression are the following. Persistent sad, anxious, or mood, feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities, decreased energy, fatigue, being difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions, difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping, appetite and/or weight changes, thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts, restlessness, irritability.

Depression is defined as chronic mental illness (CDC, 2013), and is characterized by a variety of symptoms such as depressed mood, decreased interest in routine activities, unexplained loss or gain in weight, inability to concentrate, psychomotor retardation to severe depression that may lead to recurrent thoughts of suicide (CDC, 2013). Every person might feel depressed once in a while, this is usually short lived, and cannot be used as a diagnostic criteria for depression. According to American Psychiatric Association (APA), if a person experiences more than five of the above symptoms for more than 2 weeks, it can be considered as a diagnosis of depression. Depression not only affects a person’s mental state, is also a co-morbity associated with other chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, cancer, diabetes etc (CDC Fact Sheet, 2012). The common etiologic factors leading to depression include genetics, environment and psychological.

There are many causes that can lead to depression. Stress is a very common cause. Excessive stress can be related to parental problems. A parent may set high expectations for a teen which can lead to stress since the teen is trying to be the best in everything. Sadly, some parents may emotionally, mentally, or physically abuse their child or may not give a child attention since they work so much, this can lead a teen to feel hurt or worthless and lead to traumas in the future. Bullying is all over the place and teens are very affected by it. If a teen has an illness or learning disability, they can be targeted to be a victim of bullying, which can lead to depression and suicide. Tragic accidents are also something that happens commonly. Tragic accidents can lead a teen to traumas, disabilities, or mental illnesses. Something else that a teen may go through is

Depression is mental illnesses characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, despair and worthlessness that interfere with daily functioning and personal relationships. It is an illness caused by an imbalance of the chemicals in the brain. It affects about 19 million people and cost billions in any given year (Ford-Martin). Some of the symptoms of depression are having a hard time focusing, constant crying, and loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary everyday activities, sleep problems, problems with eating and weight (gain or loss). Depression strikes all age groups, and often goes unrecognized or inadequately treated.

As depression is very common in the population there are a plethora of different causes of this illness. Depression is the result of chemical imbalances in the brain, which can be caused in many different ways. Three of the major causes of depression are personality, family history, and serious medical illness. Certain people have personalities that make them more at risk for depression. Those who have low self esteem, worry a lot, are perfectionists, and are sensitive to criticism are at a higher risk. Family history can cause depression if depression runs in an individuals family increasing their risk of encountering

Depression is known as the “common cold” of all mental disorders and conditions. Over 350 million globally suffer from depression. Depression is a mood disorder that causes feelings of persistent sadness and anxiety. It is a serious condition can impact a person’s mind and body. Depression affects many aspects of a victims lives. It impairs our ability to perform normal everyday functions like to eat, sleep, or work. Also depression damages our self-esteem, confidence, and our ability to get along with others. People who suffer from depression lack motivation to do anything and lose interest in activities they once found to be enjoyable. Depression is like a dark, heavy fog that changes the way a person views themselves, the world and our future. And trying to rid yourself of it is a battle all in its own.

The depression illness has no obvious cause; it is an extreme complex disease, and sometimes a loss of a job, death of a loved one, or a breakup can trigger it. It can also have a genetic background because some disorders run in families. Scientist believes 40 percent of depressed individuals that have linked genetics and environment factors make up 60 percent, nature versus nurture. Having a viral infection, a baby (postnatal) or hormonal disorder can also contribute to depression. Abuse

Major depression is sometimes called major depressive disorder, clinical depression, unipolar depression or simply 'depression'. It involves low mood and/or loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities, as well as other symptoms. The symptoms are experienced most days and last for at least two weeks. Symptoms of depression interfere with all areas of a person's life, including work and social relationships.

As any mental disorder, there are several factors that can cause depression; some to top the list are grief, hormones, stress, substance abuse, and many others. Depression is a normal response in the stages of grief as you adjust to life without someone, sometimes it is very overwhelming, and recovery from it is unreachable. Onset of menopause results in a variety of emotional and physical symptoms which can lead to stress

Depression is one of the more common and serious illnesses that has affected more than 300 million people of all ages worldwide. Depression is a mental disorder that causes feelings of sadness, moodiness, and a loss of interest. It does not only affect people mentally but also physically. People who suffer from depression may experience difficulties sleeping, eating, concentrating and experience unexplained aches or pain. These mental and physical problems can lead to a person inability to function normally on a daily basis. Per the World Health Organization, depression is one of the most disabling disorders in the world. It affects one approximately one in five women and one in ten men at some point in their lifetime. (Unknown Author)

There is not a clear reason as for why people develop depression. Although, there are no clear reasons for depression there are events that can lead up to developing this psychological disorder. “Depression often develops when the event relates to loss of some sort, such as death, divorce, financial losses, job loss, or loss of status (Edwards, 2002, p. 27).” Events like the death of a loved one can have a powerful impact on ones ’personality, leave their thoughts altered, and have a sudden change in their usual routine. Moreover, medication, genetics, sex, and early attachment can all be indicators for someone showing early signs of depression.

Depression can be caused by a multitude of factors. One thing that can cause depression is a person’s genes. Depression sometimes is caused by the lack of or malfunctioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. This problem is often hereditary. Substance, personal, or physical abuse can also lead to depression because they can cause stress. Any traumatic event such as the death of a loved one or divorce of parents can also cause depression.