Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders. Studies show that about one in five Americans experience this mental health condition, which can affect people at any age but is most prevalent among adolescents and older adults.
Depression is a complex condition with multiple potential causes. Several factors can contribute to the onset of clinical depression and the specific causes will be different for everyone. For patients in Allen and around the region, causes of depression are often attributed to biological, psychological, and social influences. Let’s examine each category and how it may play a role in your mental health.
Our brain chemistry plays a significant role in how we think, feel, and act, as brain function and mood regulation are closely linked. One major biological cause of depression is an imbalance of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which influence emotion, motivation, and stress response. At our office in Allen, we aim to rebalance this brain chemistry, treating the biological causes of depression and restoring emotional balance.
Genetics can also contribute to depression, as people with a family history of this disorder are at a higher risk of developing it. Structural and functional changes in certain brain regions involved in mood control, such as the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex, may also contribute to the development of depression. Fluctuations in hormones, such as those experienced during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid disorders, can also cause someone to feel depressed.
Psychological causes often involve a person’s patterns in thought, behavior, or emotions that increase their vulnerability to depressed feelings. Sometimes, people are prone to negative thinking, such as persistent self-criticism, hopelessness, or rumination, that can trap them in cycles of distress or depressed states of mind.
Early life experiences, such as childhood trauma, may make you more susceptible to these negative thought patterns and thus put you at risk for developing depression later in life. For patients with depression caused by psychological factors, the team at our office in Allen can be particularly effective in managing symptoms and restoring emotional balance.
Certain psychotherapy techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, aim to restructure unhealthy patterns to help you manage symptoms of depression. This evidence-based and goal-oriented treatment can help you heal from past traumas and achieve healthier ways of thinking that alleviate mental distress.
Social causes stem from your environment, including your relationships, career, and social life. Stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, job loss, or end of a relationship, can create emotional challenges that cause you to feel depressed. Other common social factors can include:
If you are struggling with any of these, you are not alone. Regardless of the cause, our board-certified psychiatric team is here to offer clinically-proven ways to manage depression in a compassionate and supportive environment.
A mental health problem can feel like a debilitating condition that affects every aspect of your life. Understanding the causes, and how these factors can be addressed and treated, can empower you to take control of your mental health and restore emotional balance. Our dedicated team in Allen will help you understand the causes of depression and what unique factors may be contributing. We offer customized treatment tailored to your needs and goals. Contact us today to gain a deeper understanding of your mental state and how we can support you toward achieving balance.