While the term ‘depression’ is often used to describe general sadness, the condition of this disorder arises from much deeper and more complex causes. A frequent point of confusion is the difference between having depression and just feeling depressed. It’s perfectly normal for everyone to feel down at times, and there’s no cause for alarm. This feeling might stem from a specific reason, or it could strike suddenly out of the blue. However, in most cases, these feelings tend to dissipate without disrupting a person’s daily routine or overall wellbeing.

Depression on the other hand is a serious mood disorder that goes beyond occasional feelings of sadness, or unhappiness and it affects millions of people worldwide. It’s a condition characterized by a prolonged and deep-seated sense of despair, and can impact every aspect of a person’s life.

Some symptoms associated with depression are:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, or ‘empty’ mood
• Stress
• Hopelessness, or helplessness
• Lack of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable
• Feelings of worthlessness, or guilt
• Changes in appetite and weight
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased levels in libido
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulties in concentration
• Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
• Psychomotor retardation, or psychomotor agitation

Understanding the nature of depression is a crucial step towards seeking help and finding effective treatment.

Neuroscientists still don’t have a clear picture of what causes depression. It seems that there is a combination between genes and environment. In cognitive level there is a triad that seems to lead to it. Its roots lie in negative views about oneself, the immediate interpersonal world, and the future. Through cognitive restructuring, the psychologist try to identify the self-destructive thoughts, restructure the dysfunctional thinking, and create self-control.

Although the main causes of depression can vary widely from person to person some common factors include:

1. Family history/biological factors::

Imbalances in brain, chemicals, hormones, or family history are highly connected to depression.

   2. Psychological factors:

Depression can be associated with traumatic life events, negative thought patterns, chronic stress, or even the sequence of negative incidents.

   3. Substance abuse: 

Drug or alcohol misuse can trigger or even cause depression.

   4. Personality:

Certain personality characteristics like low self-esteem, negativity, pessimism, or excessive worry can make individuals more vulnerable to depression.

   5. Illnesses and health conditions:

Dealing with ongoing health issues.

   6. Grief and loss:

Experience of a significant loss especially if the person doesn’t have a supportive system.

   7. Life events:

Living in a challenging environment, experiencing high pressure, or dealing with difficult situations can contribute to the development of depression.

   8. Social isolation:

Humans are naturally social beings. Loneliness and lack of social support are factors that can be connected to depression.

It’s important to note that depression is a complex condition, often influenced by a combination of these factors. The fact is that we can’t predict when or where it will show up, but we can always try to prevent it by controlling the factors that we can influence.

Medication and therapy, can complement each other to treat this disorder. Medication can boost brain chemicals and fight the symptoms, so it will make space for psychotherapy to treat the underlying cause. Because of that it is crucial to combine medicine with psychotherapy in order to see true results and healing.