DEPRESSION AND WHAT CAUSES IT
According to Merriam-Webster, depression is a state of feeling sad. : a serious medical condition in which a person feels very sad, hopeless, and unimportant and often is unable to live in a normal way.
Sadness is something we all experience. We feel sad when tragedies happened. It’s a normal feeling and usually passes after a while. But when does feeling down cross the line into depression? That's a hard question, because it's not always an either-or kind of thing but according to CMHC (The Counselling and Mental Health Center) in Texas it might be useful to consider these symptoms whether you or your friends need help with depression.
Physical
sleeping much more or much less than usual
eating much more or much less than usual
feeling fatigued, lacking energy
frequent headaches, stomach aches, or otherwise inexplicable aches and pains
Behavioral/Attitude
diminished interest in and enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities, such as going out with friends, sports, hobbies, sex, etc.
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
neglecting responsibilities and personal appearance
Emotional
depressed mood-this can mean feeling down, irritable, pessimistic, guilty, anxious, empty, etc.
suicidal thoughts
feeling hopeless and helpless
feelings of worthlessness
What Causing Depression?
Possible Contributing Factors to Depression
Environmental: Cramped living conditions, bad roommate situation, money problems, car problems, holidays you're not looking forward to, having a tough time with classes, too much pressure on you, feeling helpless to change your environment, loss of something significant (a job, a dream, etc.), being victimized (assault, robbery, rape, etc.).
Interpersonal: Relationship problems or breakup, conflicts with family members, death of a significant person in your life, the anniversary of a loss, feeling like people are taking advantage of you, unresolved anger or guilt, feeling helpless to make changes in important relationships.
Physical/Medical/Biological: Genetic predisposition (depression runs in the family), chemical imbalances, dealing with illness or infection, sleep deprivation, chronic anxiety.
Diet/Exercise: Getting by on fast food, sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and other relatively non-nutritious items, substance abuse, lack of exercise.
Thought Patterns: Self-criticism, pessimistic thinking, expecting the worst.
Spiritual/Existential/Philosophical: Doubts about the meaning of life, questions about your own religious beliefs, a sense that you're somehow missing out on your true calling or that you're not being true to yourself, your dreams, your beliefs.
Sometimes, we know exactly why we’re depressed – when we’ve experienced break up or death of someone who is so close to you. However, the reasons of depression are not quite as clear. Depression makes people angry, hostile, violent, and withdrawn. Some people who experience this can become suicidal or hurt other people. People who are experiencing depression are internally full of grief. At times, they feel like failures because they cannot meet up their own expectations or the expectations of the others.
If you have a friend who is depressed, be there for him/her. Being supportive involves offering encouragement and hope. Say “I’m always here for you” or “Tell me what I can do to help you” or if YOU are the one who is experiencing this, just always remember: “Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve” (J.K Rowling)
(Reference: https://cmhc.utexas.edu/depression.html)
