Depression Causes and Treatments

There are many depression causes that experts think may contribute to the occurrence of this problem. There are also many different treatments that may be effective for treating the various types of depression. Causes of depression may include chemical imbalance, genetics, trauma, stress, illness, injury, job loss, death of a loved one, divorce, or even childbirth. Understanding the reasons why you are depressed is the first step towards finding relief.

If your depression is caused by a chemical imbalance, it's likely that the problem is a shortage of two chemicals that occur naturally in the brain. They are called serotonin and norepinephrine, and if these chemicals are not properly balanced, depression can occur. If this is the case, then antidepressants are probably the best form of treatment for you. There are lots of different antidepressants, including SSRIs that work on serotonin levels and SNRIs which affect both serotonin and norepinephrine. Your doctor will determine which type of antidepressant is best for you.

Postpartum depression is another type of depression that may respond well to antidepressants. Following childbirth, the body and brain experience a variety of changes that may lead to imbalance. When combined with the stress of caring for a demanding infant and the pain of recovering from labor or surgery, it's no wonder why so many new moms suffer from this problem. It's important to understand that postpartum depression, like all depression, is nothing to be ashamed of and can be treated effectively.

If you think your depression is caused by other factors unrelated to brain chemistry, lifestyle modifications and counseling may be more effective or just as effective as prescription drugs. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one strategy that may help. This therapy involves recognizing negative thoughts, examining them, and replacing them with more positive thoughts. Some depressed individuals find that exercising more can offer relief. Others find relief through stress management techniques like deep breathing and meditation.

Depression causes and treatment options should be discussed with a trusted physician or psychiatrist. He or she can help you reach a definitive diagnosis as to why your depression is occurring. Once you know why the problem is happening, you are better equipped to deal with it. Your doctor or psychiatrist may offer a variety of treatment options for you to try. Sometimes, treating depression is a matter of trial and error. You may need to try several remedies before you achieve the desired results.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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