Why am I depressed?

Depression can be an incredibly isolating and heavy experience. You can find yourself in a dark, deep hole with seemingly no way out. It can be hard to think…. as if you’re walking round in a permanent brain fog. It’s natural to ask yourself ‘Why me? Why am I feeling so low?’

Depression itself refers to a period of at least two weeks five of the following symptoms occur: Depressed mood most of the day almost everyday; reduced pleasure in almost all activities; feelings of worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; weight gain or loss; insomnia or hypersomnia; fatigue and/or recurrent thoughts of death.

Here are four factors that contribute to Depression

Genetic Factors

If an immediate family member has depression then your risk of developing depression is two to four times higher than the general population.

Biology Factors

Humans operate best when we have a healthy routine. We have internal body clocks that function best when we get up at the same time, eat consistently, sleep, take medication and exercise regularly.

Often these things start to fall by the wayside when Depression takes hold. Things might slip slowly at the beginning….you don’t work out as often, cancel on a friend, eat take out for dinner rather than cook, start getting up later. Things can then snowball to where you aren’t seeing friends, are sleeping at odd times and aren’t eating consistently.

 Psychology Factors

Self-talk plays a role in maintaining depression. Most people who experience depression have an inner critic. It’s the part of you that tells you you’re not good enough, you’re a burden, you should be doing more, you’re just lazy. This is part of depression; part of the illness. You do not need to cope with this voice alone, it can be changed, and a psychologist can help you do this.

Environmental Factors

Temperament - Individuals who are higher in negative affectivity (feel guilt, anger, envy and anxiety more frequently and severely then other individuals) are more at risk for developing depressive episodes in response to stressful life events.

Stressful life events - Bullying, divorce, moving, financial stress, health difficulties, job stress and many other factors can contribute to low mood. Having a huge gap between where you are, and where you want to be can be really difficult to deal with.

·      Living alone in an urban environment are risk factors

·      Social isolation - People have a higher risk of developing depression if there has been a friendship fall-out, break-up, separation, divorce or they are recently widowed. The happiest people are those who are married or single.

·      Family environment – Some families have very high standards and expectations of achievement that can contribute to depression. Families that invalidate your opinions (opinion dismissed, not listened to, ridiculed or criticised) can also contribute to depression.

The above are a few of the factors that can contribute to depression. Your individual psychologist and yourself may also identify other contributing factors specific to you. Know that you do not need to suffer in silence. You are not a burden. You deserve help.

 Photo by Davide Pietralunga on Unsplash