There are quite a few main reasons for a person to develop depression, which include trauma, grief, financial problems, unemployment, unrequited love and others. But if you are depressed, for which, it would seem, there is no significant reason, then the specific cause will be difficult to determine and eliminate. However, according to scientists, there are 12 amazing causes of depression, which, it seems, should not have anything to do with this negative emotional state.
1. Summer weather. Seasonal affective disorder is most often associated with winter, and affects about 5 percent of Americans. But in about 1 percent of people suffering from depression, this form of depression is associated with summer. “Summer depression occurs when the body experiences a delay in adapting to new seasons,” said Dr. Alfred Levy, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Oregon Health and Science in Portland.
2. Smoking. Smoking has long been associated with depression, although here the first can flow from the second, and the second from the first: people who are depressed are more likely to have this habit. However, nicotine is known to affect the neurotransmitter activity in the brain, which leads to increased levels of dopamine and serotonin (which is also the mechanism of action of antidepressants).
This may explain the narcotic nature of cigarettes, and the mood swings that come with smoking cessation.
3. Thyroid disease. When the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, a person develops hypothyroidism, and depression is one of his symptoms. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication.
4. Bad sleeping habits. It is not surprising that frequent lack of sleep can lead to irritability, which also increases the risk of developing depression. A 2007 study showed that when healthy participants were deprived of sleep for a certain amount of time, their brain activity increased after viewing images, which was similar to the reaction of patients with depression.
5. Social networks. Do you spend too much time in chat rooms and on social networks? A number of studies have shown that this lifestyle may be associated with depression, especially among Internet-dependent teens and pre-teens.
6. The end of the movie or TV show. When something important for a person comes to an end, for example, a TV show, a favorite series or a big home renovation, it can cause depression in some people. A similar reaction was caused in people by the finale of the Harry Potter films.
7. Place of residence. Studies have shown that people living in urban environments are 39 percent more at risk for mood disorders than in rural areas. Even height can play a role; with height, the risk of suicide among the population increases.
8. Too much choice. A huge number of options are available, whether it’s a face cream or a technique – not a problem for buyers who choose the first that meets their needs, according to some psychologists. However, some people respond to overload choices and exhaustively review all options in search of the best product. Studies show that this style of coping is associated with perfectionism and depression.
9. Lack of fish in the diet. Low intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and vegetable oils increases the risk of depression. In 2004, Finnish researchers found a link between low fish consumption and depression in women. These fatty acids regulate serotonin, which may explain the relationship.
10. Bad relationships with brothers and sisters. Although unhappy relationships with anyone can lead to depression, a 2007 study found that men who did not get along with their siblings under the age of 20 were more prone to depression at a later age.
11. Birth control pills. Like any medicine, hormone pills can have side effects. Oral contraceptives contain synthetic versions of progesterone, which studies show may lead to depression in some women.
12. Rx drugs. Depression is a side effect of many drugs. For example, accutane and its general version (isotretinoin) are prescribed for patients with severe acne, but their use can cause depression and suicidal thoughts, which has a potential risk for some people.