Reviewed by: Xueling Yang (Pearl River Hospital, Southern Medical University)
Everyone will occasionally feel depressed, but in general, it will disappear on its own after a few days.
But depression is different, it can become a barrier to your daily life and make it difficult for you to accomplish the things you love, and you will need to be treated to get improvement.
1. What are the causes of depression?
Current research suggests that depression may be associated with the following factors.
Brain structural changes: Brain scans show that when in a depressed state, areas of the brain involved in emotions, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior show differences from normal brains, but scientists have yet to find the exact cause.
Genes: Scientists are trying to figure out which genes make people more susceptible to depression. But even with these genes, depression doesn't always have to occur; even without these genes, depression can happen.
Family history: Depression is a major risk factor for other relatives in the family, but it does not mean that as long as someone in the family is depressed, you will definitely get sick. In addition, many depressed people do not have depression in their homes.
Life events: Disturbing events can trigger depression, such as the loss of a loved one, poor relationships, or being in a repressive environment. In addition, changes in financial situation, place of life, and marital status may also affect emotions. But keep in mind that depression doesn't have to have a "cause," and sometimes it can happen without any obvious reason.
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Childhood problems: Having unpleasant experiences in childhood is more likely to suffer from depression. Psychological trauma suffered at a young age can lead to brain changes that can lead to depression in adulthood.
Other factors: drug or alcohol abuse, long-term pain, sleep problems, and some disorders (e.g., anxiety, hyperactivity), may also be associated with depression.
2. What are the symptoms of depression?
Depression has many symptoms, and each person's symptom intensity and duration vary.
Possible feelings include:
Sadness, emptiness, or anxiety: it will continue over time, not get better or disappear.
Feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, or guilt: May feel bad about yourself or your life, or think about a lot of things about losing or failing.
Despair: May feel pessimistic, or think that nothing good will happen, or even think of suicide.
Anxiety: May become anxious, or be more eccentric than usual.
Decreased interest in activities: Hobbies or sports that have previously been enjoyed may no longer be attractive, and appetite and libido may be reduced.
Less energy: You may feel extremely tired or think more slowly, and routine routines and tasks may seem difficult to handle.
Difficulty concentrating: May have difficulty concentrating. Simple things like reading a newspaper or watching TV can become difficult; difficulty remembering details, making any decisions can become seemingly very difficult.
Change the way you sleep: You may get up too early, or you may have difficulty falling asleep; the opposite may happen: you may sleep much longer than usual.
Changes in appetite: It is possible to overeat or feel not hungry, and depression often leads to weight gain or loss.
Pain and pain: Headaches, cramps, stomach upset, or digestive problems may occur.
If you think you have depression, don't stand up and see a doctor in time.
There are many treatments that can help, including antidepressants and psychotherapy, and to ensure support from family and friends.
*The content of this article is a popularization of health knowledge and cannot be used as a specific diagnosis and treatment recommendation, nor is it a substitute for face-to-face consultation by a practicing physician, for reference only.
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