The word “depression” comes from the Latin deprimere, to press down. To feel depressed means to have feelings of severe despondency and dejection. Depression often occurs along with other illnesses and medical conditions.
When you have depression, you may wonder “Why?” or “Where did these unfamiliar, out-of-character feelings come from?” Though the answer to the question of what causes depression is not a simple one, studies suggest that there are risk factors for becoming depressed. The more of these risk factors you have and the greater your levels of stress, the greater the chance you will experience a bout of depression:
- your genetics: Have any of your relatives experienced depression? People with a family history have a slightly higher chance of becoming depressed at some stage in their lives.
- your personality style and how you have learned to deal with problems:
- Do you worry a lot?
- Do you have a low opinion of yourself?
- Are you overly dependent on other people?
- Are you a perfectionist?
- Do you expect too much from yourself or others?
- Do you hide your feelings?
- your life experiences: You may be at increased risk of depression if you’ve gone through certain major life events, such as:
- early childhood trauma (death of a parent, parental separation or divorce)
- death of a loved one
- loss of a job or retirement
- financial problems
- family conflict, including abuse and neglect
- your biology: People with depression may have hormone and chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances are what most medications for depression help to fix.
More women than men have depression. However, depression can affect anyone, including men, children and seniors. And while depression symptoms most commonly appear between 15 and 45 years of age, the condition can strike anyone at any age.
No matter what your age or stage of life, if you experience the signs and symptoms of depression you can talk to us about what you’re experiencing. And if you recognize the symptoms of depression in someone you love or care for, share this information with them.
Symptoms of depression may include:
- emotional symptoms (tearfulness, sadness, brooding, blues, irritability, anxiety)
- behavioural/cognitive symptoms (indecision, lack of concentration, trouble focusing, withdrawal from social and work activities, decreased personal care such as grooming)
- physical symptoms (changes in sleep patterns, weight, or appetite; fatigue; complaints of pain, which can include headache, stomach pain, and other unexplained pain)
Homeopathy can provide a safe and effective way of treating depression, sadness, and anxiety.