You know you have depression when you constantly deal with intense sadness, lack of energy, low mood, and loss of interest. It’s also concerning that about 3.8% of people experience this mental health condition. You should also note that some experts believe numerous factors can trigger depression. However, doing nothing and not taking full responsibility for the situation can worsen things, sinking you deeper into this condition. This article highlights some common causes of this issue.
1. Being stressed for a long time
If you’re dealing with grief, breakups, major transitions, loss, and chronic illness, chances are, you may develop depression later. This is because negative thought patterns can trigger prolonged stress that could affect your mood. In this case, seeking help through psychotherapy can help you change your perspective on trying situations and develop a more positive approach toward them. While at it, consider exercising, as it can help deal with stress by releasing endorphins to improve your mood and trigger relaxation. For the best results, consider joining credible groups like Fitness 19; they have state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment to give you a satisfying workout experience to help you combat depression.
2. Not having your beauty sleep
Research suggests that sleep disorders like insomnia might raise your chances of developing depression. A bad night's sleep can ruin your mood and negatively impact your mental health if not addressed. Aside from this, you can experience perpetual fatigue, lack of focus, and other inconveniences. Therefore, take the necessary steps to combat insomnia. For example, always prepare your room so that you can fall asleep quickly, and avoid heavy meals or caffeine before bed. You would find it helpful to leave your phones in the living room, as blue light from these devices can affect your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns.
3. Eating much but not getting the needed nutrients
You are what you eat; research shows that people with depression frequently lack nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. All these nutrients trigger your body to produce neurotransmitters required for proper brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids, for example, help your brains understand emotional behavior and aid serotonin neurotransmission, which is needed to control your mood. You should also know that supplementing omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to help treat some cases of depression.
4. Taking alcohol and cigarettes irresponsibly
An alcohol use problem and depression are frequently linked together. Some people may drink to self-medicate their bad mood, worsening the situation. Alcohol is classified as a depressant because it slows down biological functions, including how your body balances feel-good brain chemicals. Therefore, consuming more alcohol raises the chances of experiencing this mental condition. You should also know that cigarette smokers are also at risk. Cut down or avoid alcohol completely to help you deal with depression.
5. Your everyday medications
Some prescription drugs can raise the risk of depression by affecting neurotransmitter levels that help regulate mood. Prescribed medication used to treat seizure disorders, Parkinson’s, migraines, and cardiovascular diseases are common culprits. Some antibiotics and antifungal medications can also cause depression. Talk to your doctor if you take any drug or medication and believe it affects your mood.
