Medical research has gone a long way towards answering the age old why am I depressed question. However, the exact mechanisms which lead to depressive disorders remain unknown. The only thing one can say for sure is that no single cause is the sole responsible factor. Most often, depression is the result of a combination of factors and triggers. Furthermore, depression is more than simply a state of mind, and is closely related to physical and chemical changes in the human brain.
If you find yourself saying I’m always depressed, there are probably several factors involved in that feeling of being depressed. Experts say a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors most probably causes the onset of depression.
The biological answers to why am I depressed lie in the changes in brain chemistry including the fluctuations in hormone and serotonin levels. Genetic factors are heredity, and family history. For example, children of depressive parents are more prone to depression. Environmental and emotional triggers are the result of stressful situations. Depression can be caused by any one of the three, or a combination of the factors. Other factors like illness, certain kinds of medication, or drug and alcohol abuse can also lead to or worsen depression.
The genetic factors behind why am I depressed hinge on family history. Depression tends to run in families and appears in successive generations. For example, the twin of a manic-depressive has a 70 percent chance of having the same illness. Similarly, the rate of depression among adoptive family members does not influence the risk of depression of an adopted child. Illnesses like bipolar disorder also tend to run in families. Although depression seems to run in families, it can develop in people without a family history of depression as well.
Biological factors also answer the I’m always depressed conundrum. Research indicates that people with depressive illness have an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin deficiency is thought to cause sleep problems, irritability, and anxiety while norepinephrine, deficiency causes fatigue, sad moods and so on. A Cortisol imbalance (often associated with high stress lifestyles) adds to the problem.
Psychological and personality factors also have something to do with “why am I depressed.” People who are pessimistic, suffer from low self-esteem and self image issues, or have a generally negative outlook on life are more at risk. A feeling of helplessness, or fear and angst caused by physical illness can also trigger depression.
Anxiety disorders, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and substance abuse either accompany depression or make it worse. Environmental situations like long term stress add a lot to the risk of depression. Sudden changes like a breakup, financial problems, or the death of a loved one often trigger depression, as do milestones like a new job, graduating from school, marriage or childbirth.
Treatment options vary, of course, and much depends on the severity of the problem, but most people who ask why am I depressed do very well on natural remedies because rather than having to tolerate all the scary side effects of drugs, these remedies work by increasing the production of dopamine in the brain which will improve your general outlook on life and give you the energy to start connecting with others and make important changes that increase your satisfaction with life and the sense that your life is meaningful.
Laura Ramirez is a dedicated researcher in the field of health and wellness. Learn more about her findings on natural ways to treat depression by going to www.cure-depression-naturally.com. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/mental-health-articles/why-am-i-depressed-1487357.html
