Understanding the causes of depression may help some people learn to cope with and overcome it. Often, a person may not know why they feel deep sadness or emptiness. With the help of health and wellness therapy, it becomes possible to better understand those feelings and why they are happening. That can help a person to get the support they need and change their outcome. Depression does not have to be something you struggle with for the rest of your life.
Common Causes of Depression
The only way to know what is causing your depression is to reach out to a therapist for a formal diagnosis. That takes time, but it is going to be the best way to understand why and how to treat it. Some of the most common causes of depression include:
- A person with a family history of depression is at a higher risk for developing it themselves.
- Some medical conditions may put a person at a higher risk, such as chronic pain, chronic illness, insomnia, or ADHD, both from the symptoms of the condition and the medications used.
- Early childhood trauma is another common cause of this disorder. It can impact the way a person thinks and reacts to people and experiences for years to come.
- The structure of the brain may play some role in this. Those who have a less active frontal lobe are likely to have depression.
- Drug and alcohol use can also increase the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Other situations can cause the onset of depression as well. Significant life-changing events, financial problems, or even environmental factors can play a role for some people.
Addiction and the Causes of Depression
A large percentage of people who have depression also have substance use disorder. For those using drugs and alcohol, there is a heightened risk of developing depression. However, depression can also occur first, leading to the use of alcohol or drugs to mask the symptoms felt. In all cases, both conditions need to be treated in a treatment program called dual diagnosis treatment.
Finding Treatment for the Causes of Depression
There are some situations where depression can improve. For example, lifestyle changes and no longer using substances can help. For others, it’s not that easy. Treatment may involve the use of medications. These balance symptoms and may help with underlying causes such as hormonal imbalances.
Evidence-based therapy becomes important in most cases. This can include cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR therapy to manage the traumatic components of depression. In addition to this, holistic therapy programs can also be a very important part of therapy. Holistic care works to help improve the body, mind, and soul or the whole person, improving health and restoring balance.
Finding a Way Through Depression
Recognizing the causes of depression is an important first step. Getting help is the next one. Depression does not go away on its own for most people. However, with the help of a mental health treatment center, it can improve significantly. That can lead to numerous health improvements and an overall improvement in the quality of life.
In a mental health treatment program, a person learns how to manage their mental health disorders in a meaningful manner. That may include working to manage stress, identify triggers to worsening mental health, and minimizing negative thought patterns.
Comprehensive treatment for depression is possible no matter what the cause. That includes working through evidence-based treatment, using holistic care, and restoring health to your body. Nutrition therapy and medical care may be necessary as well. The right treatment program can provide the resources necessary to heal. It can also help men and women to finally find their way forward, even after suffering from the symptoms of depression for a long time.