Risk Factors and Triggers for Depression
Obviously, difficult life changes like the death of a loved one can start a bout of depression. Dealing with a serious illness can, as well. We refer to that as “secondary depression.” It’s hard for us to tell whether that depression is caused by the emotional effect of coping with a long-term illness, or by physical changes that the illness can cause. That may seem like a subtle difference, but it’s an important one, and we’re still trying to figure it out. Our feelings and thoughts all boil down to chemical and electrical signals in our bodies. We don’t yet know all of the different ways the two-way street between our body and our mind works.
But we do know some of the things that put us at risk. People with low self-esteem and people who are pessimistic are more likely to experience depression. People who abuse alcohol or other drugs are more likely to, as well. People with a history of other mental health disorders are at risk for experiencing depression alongside their existing problems. Depression is also incredibly prevalent among members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well. Though it's worth noting that this is almost certainly due to the hardships faced by LGBTQ+ people, who find themselves bullied, disowned, homeless, and otherwise threatened at disproportionately high levels.
Image: Milada Vigerova, Unsplash.
Did you know...
- Need a quick cool down? Try drinking some hot liquid. It's true! As counterintuitive as it may seem, the heat from hot liquids will raise your body temperature. This will heat you up and cause you to sweat. The increased perspiration will wind up helping you feel cooler as it evaporates. Try it out!
- A hearty laugh is good for the heart. Laughing can increase blood flow by 20%. Additionally, looking on the bright side can help you live longer. Studies have shown that a more optimistic outlook is linked to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a lower risk for coronary artery disease.
- Do you know what the strongest muscle in your body is? No, it’s not your biceps or your thighs. It’s actually in your head. The masseter is a muscle in the jaw that is used when chewing. When all of the muscles of the jaw work together, they can exert a force as strong as 200 pounds on the molars. That’s some serious pressure.
- Have you ever told your husband something and he promptly forgets it? It's not his fault, actually. It really is because he's a man. The hippocampus (the part of the brain that deals with memory) begins to shrink with age faster in men than it does in women. That's why you can remember everything, and he can't!
- Just saying the words "thank you" can measurably improve your mood. Researchers can actually measure happiness and changes in brain structure when people practiced regular "grateful thinking." This included things like writing thank you notes, writing gratitude journal entries, mindfully counting their blessings, and thanking friends. It may be helpful in overcoming depression!