Depression is a disease that plays no favorites and can affect anyone of any age at any time. Some of history’s most famous and notable people were known to suffer from depression. Abraham Lincoln, a man who was considered one of this country’s greatest leaders, had an ongoing battle with depression and suicidal thoughts. At one point in his life, he remained under close watch by his friends because of his mental state. This just goes to show you that anyone can be affected by depression. But how do you get depression? What exactly is the cause?
There is no known cause for depression. Scientists feel that depression may be a result of several different factors. It could be a combination of environmental factors, combined with a chemical imbalance in the brain. The causes of depression are going to be different for different people. But whatever the cause, treatment is vitally important.
Women are twice as likely to develop depression than men. Hormones may play a big role in the development of depression in women. During a woman’s lifetime, her hormone levels will go up and down like one big roller coaster ride. Her body will go through many changes such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. All of these changes are controlled by hormone levels. It is no wonder that a woman can be depressed easily. Add the daily stress of trying to be all things to all people and it is a miracle that every woman that walks the face of this earth is not depressed.
There is also a definite genetic link in depression. If a family member has been treated for depression, the odds of someone else in the same family developing depression will increase. There have been numerous studies on twins and depression. The findings show that when one identical twin suffers from depression the other twin has a 50 to 90 percent chance of developing the disease also. This is true even if the twins were separated at birth and not raised together. Studies show that adopted children whose biological parents had depression were three times as likely to develop the disease themselves.
There is a big difference in feeling “blue” for a few days and actual clinical depression. Clinical depression lasts for weeks or months at a time and can get so bad that it is disabling. People who have clinical depression can no longer enjoy any aspect of life. They can become so withdrawn and feel so worthless that suicide is the only way that they can perceive as a way out. When the depression is this severe, immediate treatment is vital.
No one is immune to depression. It can strike any one at any time in their lives. But there is treatment for depression that can result in a full recovery. If you feel that you might have clinical depression, see your doctor immediately. Don’t let depression stop you from enjoying life!
