Depression

Clinical depression (a chemical imbalance not explained by a cause. In fact it may seem like life is going well, and you feel you should be “happy”, but feel despair instead.)

Some causes of depression include:

• Brain chemistry – There may be a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain that manage mood, thoughts, sleep, appetite, and behavior in people who have depression.
• Hormone levels – Changes in female hormones estrogen and progesterone during different periods of time like during the menstrual cycle, postpartum period, perimenopause, or menopause may all raise a person’s risk for depression.
• Family history – You’re at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history of depression or another mood disorder.
• Early childhood trauma – Some events affect the way your body reacts to fear and stressful situations.
• Brain structure – There’s a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of your brain is less active.
• Medical conditions – Insomnia, chronic illness, hypothyroidism, cancer, etc.
• Substance use
• Pain – People who feel emotional or chronic physical pain for long periods are significantly more likely to develop depression.

It is important to address the root cause through effective depression treatment so you can move along a path of healing and feel like yourself again!