Depression; Why Do Some People Get Depressed While Others Don’t?
The reality is that the complexities of depression are beyond human understanding.
It’s beyond comprehension why some people feel a deep sense of loneliness and sadness for no known reason.
Clinical depression or major depression; have you ever wondered why even under the same circumstances some people get depressed while others may not?
Well, major life changes such as the loss of a loved one, the arrival of a newborn, serious medical illness, family history as well as self-esteem issues are just but a few reasons that studies highlight as the factors that may trigger depression.
The relationship between biology and depression
The brain of people with a history of clinical depression differs from that of people who have no history of depression according to recent studies. For example, research shows that the hippocampus is smaller in people with a history of depression compared to those who don’t have a history of depression. The hippocampus may be a tiny part of the brain, but it is vital to the storage of memory.
Serotonin receptors are reduced when the hippocampus is smaller. Serotonin is one of the brain’s neurotransmitters that ensure effective communication across the different circuits of the brain responsible for processing emotions.
Experts don’t fully understand why people with a history of depression have a smaller hippocampus. However, some scientists believe that research has proven that depressed people produce the stress hormone cortisol in excess could explain the “smaller hippocampus situation”. The theory is that the toxicity of the cortisol hormone has a shrinking effect on the hippocampus.
Other scientists have a contrary opinion.
Some experts believe that people with a history of depression are destined to be depressed because of the simple fact; they are already born with a smaller hippocampus.
On the contrary, studies continue to show that there are multiple pathways and brain regions that are responsible for depression. Depression cannot be fully accounted for by one brain pathway or brain structure for that matter.
We can all agree that depression is so complex to the extent where there may be multiple contributing factors involved.
The relationship between genetics and the risk of depression
You are probably already aware that depression runs in families sometimes. This is to say that genes play a part; at least partially, to the risk of depression. The general population is less likely to suffer from depression compared to the next of kin of people with a history of depression.
The interaction of multiple genes in complex ways can be a contributing factor to the different types of depression that are found in families.
There is evidence that genetics have a link to the risk of depression, but despite this, there is limited proof of one single gene being the reason why people develop clinical or major depression. Rather, the interaction of the environment and multiple genes each contributing in their own individual ways result in the development of depression.
Spectator life
Is there evidence that certain drugs and substance abuse cause depression?
Yes, drugs may cause depression in some people.
Examples of medications that have been known to cause depression, especially in the aged include;
· Isotretinoin; for acne treatment.
· Benzodiazepines.
· Barbiturates.
· Anticholinergics for stomach cramps have also been associated with mood fluctuations.
· Opioids such as morphine and codeine
· Corticosteroids.
· Beta-blockers for blood pressure treatment.
According to research, approximately 30% of people who do drugs also suffer from clinical or major depression. They may make you feel better in the short term, but drugs and alcohol ultimately aggravate depression.
Relationship between depression and chronic illness
Chronic illness has been linked to depression. Chronic is an illness that lasts a long time with no hope of a complete cure. The good thing is that people who live with chronic illnesses can live a completely normal life through the use of a proper diet, exercise, medication, and a complete change in lifestyle habits.
However, some people end up depressed when they are diagnosed with illnesses such as
· HIV/AIDS
· Arthritis
· Heart disease
· Kidney disease
· Lupus
· Hypothyroidism
· Cancer
· Multiple sclerosis, among many others.
Relationship between depression and chronic pain
When pain lasts for weeks or months, it becomes chronic. Not only does it disturb your ability to exercise, sleep, and have meaningful relationships, chronic pain also hurts and takes a toll on you emotionally.
Chronic pain has also been associated with depression, feelings of isolation as well as sadness.
Relationship between grief and depression
Grief is a normal and natural human response to loss.
Here are examples of losses that may lead to depression;
· Death of a loved one or a beloved pet.
· Divorce.
· Retirement.
· Loss of a job.
· Separation from a loved one.
· “Empty nests”.
Medium
Grief can be experienced by everyone, but not everyone will become depressed as a result of grief. This then puts into perspective the fact that depression that results from grief may be as a result of a combination of many contributing symptoms.
For example;
· Feelings of low self-worth.
· Suicide
· Hopelessness
· Negativity about what the future holds.
On the contrary, feelings associated with grief include; longing for a loved one and emptiness but with the intact capacity to experience pleasure.
We are all unique which then means that we all cope with trauma differently.
