What Causes Depression? How do I know I am at risk?

If I could change the diagnosis of "Depression" from being a medical diagnosis to a "normal" state of flux in life, I would.  A lot of things can make us depressed.  A lot of things make us happy. 

The problem is when we get down for long enough, then our brain chemicals start "acting out."  What I mean by "acting out," is that they are not doing their job.

The natural brain chemicals—serotonin is a finite chemical that makes us feel good.  The more of it, the better we feel, the less, well the worse we feel.  When we run out of our feel good chemicals, we get depressed.

Take a look at the most common risk factors for depression:

1.      Family history

2.      Chronic pain

3.      Chronic medical problems

4.      Female sex

5.      Low income

6.      Job loss

7.      Low self esteem

8.      Low social support

9.      Prior depression

10.  Single

11.  Divorced

12.  Widowed

13.  Younger age

14.  Traumatic brain injury

Does this meet one or more of your criteria?  You may need more feel good chemicals if you have been “down,” for over 2 weeks. 

Symptoms can include worsened sleep, decreased interest in hobbies, feelings of guilt, hopelessness, decreased energy, decreased concentration, decreased or increased appetite, and/or thoughts of suicide. 

If you have had the above symptoms for over two weeks, please see a doctor right away.  If you can’t see one, please email me at runsinthewynd@gmail.com