Which Factors Contribute to Depression?
Chronic stress, especially early childhood loss or deprivation, biological factors where there are lower levels of neurochemicals, and genetic predisposition are all factors involved in the development of depression. Other aspects contributing to this mood disorder include:
- Sleep disturbances
- A degree of social isolation, and
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g. folate and omega-3 fatty acids)
Depression can occur straight after a stressful event or be delayed. This event may be a trauma such as a loss of a loved one, abuse, or a natural disaster. Depression can also be precipitated by other medical conditions (e.g., heart attack or cancer).
Other causes of depression are multiple and varied. One of the most common causes is believed to be food allergies or food intolerances. Other contributing causes are hypoglycemia, prolonged tension, stress, neurochemical imbalances within the brain, hormonal imbalances, gastrointestinal tract disorders, poor dietary habits, traumatic experiences, thyroid disorders, excessive consumption of sugar, lack of exercise, mononucleosis, genetic disorders, poor coping skills, and brain disease.
Another form of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), occurs mostly during the winter period when exposure to the sunlight is typically reduced.
Further, longer working hours, not spending enough time looking after ourselves, financial problems and relationship issues can all upset the delicate chemical balance within our brains, so it is essential to address all these factors if you have tendencies to depression.
