Depression-Help-Center.com

Understanding Depression

Causes | Basics | Symptoms | Signs | Types of Depression

Biological Causes | Genetic Causes | Environmental Causes
Psychological Causes | Medical Illness Causes | Other Causes.

Other Causes of Depression

Depression can be influenced or caused by numerous factors other than the ones mentioned in the pages above. Some of the more common factors will be discussed on this page. For more information, you can click on any of the links below to learn more about that topic.

Societal Changes

Some researchers think that most cases of depression, perhaps 90%, are NOT caused by biological disorders. In other words, the cause is NOT a physical problem. These researchers point to a very dramatic statistic to make their point. People born after 1945 are ten times more likely to experience an episode of depression than those born before this date. They stress that human biology does not change dramatically in such a short period of time. Therefore, they have concluded that what has changed is society and its collective values. They also claim that these societal changes have created a modern recipe for depression. The specific changes noted over the past sixty years are:

1. the omnipresence of the news media and its influential impact on society
2. the fracture of the nuclear and extended family
3. the scattering of communities
4. the increased importance of attaining wealth
5. the increase emphasis of "self"

Medications

Some medications can cause depression in some cases. This is particularly true for medications that are taken over long time periods. Birth control pills, sleeping pills, and some blood pressure medicines have been found to be contributing factors to depression in some people. Consult a health care professional if you have any concerns about your medication.

Diet and Nutritional Deficiencies

A balanced diet is necessary for good health and it can be critical for those who are dealing with depression. A diet that is deficient in certain vitamins, minerals or nutrients, such as vitamins B-6 and B-12, may cause depression. In addition, low levels of some vitamins also may inhibit or block the effects of a prescribed antidepressant medication. A final note about nutritional deficiencies - the Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, "A deficiency of any single nutrient can alter brain function and lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders." Please click the following link for a more detailed discussion about nutritional deficiencies and their role in depression.

Exercise

There is no doubt concerning the connection between depression and an individual's physical condition. Various studies have demonstrated that regular and moderate exercise can be an effective treatment for patients with depression and in poor physical condition. In some cases, it may be the best treatment possible. Some studies have shown that a daily 30-minute walk can be excellent therapy. The obvious conclusion is that if possible, moderate exercise should be part of everyone's lifestyle.

Other Causes

Additional information about other causes or influencing factors for depression can be found on the pages below:

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