Depression Causes and Treatment - Essay Example

Are the Causes of Depression found in the Individual? Abstract For centuries, scientists have investigated the causes of depression to determine their origins and develop ways of mitigating them. Past and current literature shows that there are factors that are attributed to the individual and that are influential in the onset of depression. However, most cases of depression are caused by social and biological issues that are beyond personal control. This paper will examine whether causes of depression are found in the individual, and provide relevant evidence and arguments to support the notions put forward in this context. Introduction Depression is one of the most common illnesses in today’s world. However, it is also one of the most difficult to study, understand, and treat. The reason depression is such a tricky customer is because its geneses are very hard to pinpoint. Unlike other mental afflictions, which present clear symptoms and prognoses, depression manifests in ways that are difficult to diagnose immediately. For example, psychologists have stated that most depressed people are not even aware of their condition. In addition, depression is a symptom of some mental illnesses; therefore it is very easy to misdiagnose it. Amidst all this¸ it is important to consider the individual causes of depression. Is the environment all to blame, as most people believe, or is there a personal dimension to depression? Can individual behaviour, conditions, or attitude trigger depression, or are external factors the only suspects? These questions will form the spine of this paper and will guide the arguments presented for and against the subject, as well as the conclusion. Thesis Statement The main causes of depression have little to do with individual attributes, and more to do with nutritional, biological, psychological, and sociological factors. Analysis Nutrition Hippocrates said that “food is medicine and medicine is food.” This might explain the connection between depression and nutrition, because depression is an illness that affects the body as well as the mind. It is important to note that nutrition is closely linked to hormonal balance, and hormonal balance is associated with good moods and lack of depression (in both genders). Depending on the types of food people eat. Their hormones can be balanced or imbalanced, and this can have adverse effects on their moods. Research shows that the brain and the gut are always in touch with each through the vagus nerve (Keller, Coryell, Maser, & Endicott, 2013:47). There is more evidence to show that there is a correlation between depression and obesity. Obesity raises the probability of developing depression and depression is symptomatic of progressive obesity. Studies show that most women eat more when they are depressed or emotionally stressed (Lloyd, 2014:56). On the other hand, most men tend to eat less when they are depressed, showing that there is a connection between depression and nutrition. Insulin resistance has been classified as an acute inflammatory disease that originates in the adipose tissue (Eysenck, 2014:36). This causes hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the body’s stress response manager. Hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system increases the amount of cortisol in the blood, and this leads to a decline in the levels of magnesium. It has been proven that low levels of magnesium lead to sleeping problems and migraines, and this is why magnesium supplements are recommended by sleep therapists (Miller & Reynolds, 2012:31). High sugar intake can also affect the nervous system in a similar way. Whenever there is excess glucose in the blood, it becomes auto-oxidised and produces complex glycation substances (Kahn, 2013:26). These glycation substances have a degenerating effect on brain function and also lead to the over-synthesis of cortisol. High cortisol levels have been associated with insulin resistance, depressive thoughts, leptin resistance, faster ageing, and weight gain. Poor absorption of fructose and lactose resistance is associated with poor absorption of L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014:19). Low levels of this amino acid are associated with clinical depression and disorders like anxiety and ADHD. Dark green fruits and groceries have high folate content, and folate has been identified as an antidepressant. Selenium deficiency has been positively linked to moodiness, while vitamin D deficiency has been associated with seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression. Research conducted by the World Health Organization shows that a paleo diet is effective in fighting depression. A paleo diet facilitates hormonal balance, healthy digestive system, and prevents systemic inflammation, which has been linked to depression. The diets of depressed people have been found to be inadequate (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014:54). Poor eating habits and dietary choices can cause or accelerate depression. For example, serotonin deficiency has been associated with depressive and suicidal thoughts. In fact, it is believed that lower serotonin levels are linked to general insensitivity to implications, leading to risky behaviors that cause depression and impulsive aggression (Kahn, 2013:73). Diets low in carbohydrates can also cause depression, since carbohydrate-rich foods trigger the synthesis of serotonin and tryptophan that enable good moods. Sociological Dimension of Depression The concept of happiness offers an interesting perspective on depression. In fact, since it is so individualistic, it provides possible clues as to why some people are depressed and others or not. Alternatively, it could also explain why some people are more likely to become depressed than others. Happiness is relative, but it is also extremely personal (Beck & Alford, 2014:21). One might be happy about something while another is displeased about it; it is something that cannot be controlled. Moreover, research has shown that people are different in their way of thinking. As a result, they cannot perceive the same things, in the same way. However, the biggest observation has to be that clinically depressed people cannot claim to be happy. In essence, clinical depression and happiness do not mix. Although depressed individuals can experience periods of happiness once in a while, they are not happy, in general. They can drift in and out of happy states, but the prevailing condition is that of depression. Human beings have needs that they must meet in order to be content with life; failure to meet needs causes unhappiness and depression (Ikedi, 2012:39). At this juncture, it is important to state that unlike happiness, needs are not fundamentally relative. For example, a millionaire businessman might be unhappy about failing to service $200,000 a year mortgage while a working class citizen might be saddened by an inability to afford a $10,000 a year apartment. Although both people’s happiness is relative, it still revolves around a financial need. Essentially, humans have universal needs that we must meet. These can be material (financial security, employment, possessions, etc.), basic (clothing, food, shelter) or emotional/social (family, moral support, stable relationships). An inability to satisfy one’s needs is a personal problem (Lloyd, 2014:48). These reflect the individualistic aspect of depression and can be attributed to external factors to a limited degree (Massey, 2012:51). If this is the case, then we cannot argue that the causes of depression do not have an individualistic side. Personal expectations and the ability to meet them are closely linked to depression. As human beings, we have expectations of different kinds (e.g., career, relationships, lifestyle, ideology, etc.). As conditions change, these expectations also evolve. For example, 15 years ago having a mobile phone was seen as a status symbol of sorts. Currently, a phone is like a basic need such as clothing. However, what do people who felt happy about owning mobile phones 15 years ago feel like now? Do they feel the pressure to acquire something else that gives them a sense of exclusivity and makes them happy? What about if the current world has advanced so rapidly that they cannot meet their expectations? They could become depressed by feeling inadequate and failing to achieve goals they found simple 15 years ago (Adams Media, 2012:16). Some people try too hard to adapt to every development by raising their expectations with changing conditions. However, failure to conform fast enough can leave one discontent, unhappy, and depressed. Depressed minors seriously higher levels of disillusionment, lower coping thresholds and lower self-esteem than non-depressed minors. Their capacity to deal with stress can cause fewer and less flexible coping methods (Miller & Reynolds, 2012:28). Social environments can also constitute face-to-face interactions and the neglect that occurs (Hyman, 2013:27). In 1992, Joiner, Alfano, and Metalsky conducted a study in which they investigated whether a depressed person would affect other people in face-to-face interactions. The results showed that depressed people did not have such an effect on others. This influence can be termed as reacting adversely to their infinite search for reassurance and the rejections they experience. Consequently, this will show confirm the depressed individual’s notion that he or she is insignificant as a person. This means that they will not be willing to go out and impose themselves in situations (Kosciejew, 2012:46). Consequently, the people around them can also become depressed to an extent. For example, a parent, sibling, close friend or relation who has to deal with a depressed person is likely to develop depressive thoughts if he or she starts seeing the situation as unmanageable and overwhelming (Kahn, 2013:15). The social class also has a minor impact on depression. According to research done by Brown and Harris, working class mothers are more vulnerable to depression compared to white-collar mothers. This can be attributed to the more stressful situations working class mothers have to contend with, such as leaving their children alone to go to work (Eysenck, 2014:25). White-collar mothers, on the other hand, can afford nannies and minders to take good care of their children so that they do not worry too much about them when they are working. These disparities in interpersonal relations could lead to feelings of excessive guilt and agony among working class mothers, leading them to feel that they are poor mothers compared to their white-collar counterparts, who can even afford to stay at home and comfortably look after their families/children. Psychological Factors Attitude has a major impact on depression, and yet it is a very personal and individualistic concept. Although one’s attitude can always be influenced by external issues, the type of attitude we have towards life is mostly our own creation (Stewart, 2013:71). Research shows that people with negative attitudes towards common life problems are more likely to be depressed than those who adopt a positive outlook on the challenges faced in different spheres of life. For example, people across the world lose their jobs daily (National Institute of Mental Health, 2014:43). However, despite the negative implications of such a situation, not everybody becomes negative about it. While others might dwell on it and develop extremely pessimistic notions that lead to depressive thoughts and, ultimately, depression, others take it as one of the many lemons life can always hand to them, remain optimistic, and work to change their situation. It would not be surprising to find that pessimistic individuals become depressed while their optimistic counterparts remain mentally stable and focused on their goals. Life is so demanding that being negative in any situation only magnifies the likelihood of developing depression. In many spheres of life (work, relationships, academics, religion, family) we are always encouraged to adopt a positive attitude because it is easy to feel overwhelmed and become depressed (Williams, 2013:54). In some cases, organisations and individuals pay large sums of money to be coached on how to remain positive in spite of prevailing conditions. Motivational speakers and life coaches also spend hours developing materials to encourage people to be positive. However, such sources only deliver the message; it is upon every person to take it upon himself or herself to ensure that a positive mentality is always in place despite the circumstances. Personal initiatives regarding attitude significantly affect the chances of developing depression. It could be argued that individual behaviour, conditions, and perceptions have a significant impact on the onset of depression. Factors like attitude significantly affect one’s moods, feelings, and activity, and easily lead to the development of depressive thoughts (Nolen-Hoeksema & Hilt, 2013:31). In 2012, the Pew Research conducted a study that showed that most cases of depression can be prevented if people know how to manage the issues, conditions, and situations that precipitate them. The human mind revolves around daily activities involving work, school, or relationships. Research shows that individuals who can cope with the challenges posed by these aspects better have less chance of developing depression (Dubin & Attwood, 2014:19). Depression is not a special illness that afflicts a specific group of people. It is a universal illness just like cancer or AIDS, and all universal conditions require some level of individual effort to prevent or cure. Some people go to great lengths to avoid becoming sick, and, therefore, reduce their chances of developing certain conditions. The same applies to depression; one must create conditions that are unfavourable to it in order to reduce the possibility of developing it. (Blazer, 2012:34). Biological Dimension Gender is an individual concept that influences depression, but it is beyond one’s control. Nobody chooses their gender before they are born, but it still affects their behaviour (Williams, 2013:42). Moreover, we cannot impose our gender on others. It is an individual status that has no bearing on others’ attitude towards it and their behaviour. There are many interpersonal associations connected to gender, and they have an impact on the likelihood of developing depression. Sometimes, people have different experiences because of their gender. For example, gender discrimination in an academic setting can lead to depression. This is prevalent in females, where girls have to deal with higher expectations to live by the benchmarks dictated by society, such as engaging in feminine activities and jobs. Some parents have lower standards for their daughters when it comes to academics. Due to lower expectations, they avoid shepherding their daughters towards white-collar jobs (Miller & Reynolds, 2012:84). Instead, they steer them towards occupations that conform to societal stereotypes, such as teaching, clerical duties, and nursing. Breaching social standards can cause depression. For example, girls’ susceptibility to depression is higher if their level of intelligence is high. This positive association could be explained by the fact that more intelligent females tend to outperform many males but do not receive the same accolades for doing so. Instead of being praised and rewarded for their acuity, their efforts are frowned upon. Over time, it appears like they are “punished” rather than honoured for their achievements, and this can cause depression. In females, adolescent depression can have long-term implications with regards to enjoyment of life, social stability, and work (Serani, 2013:33). Conceptually, if a student were to become depressed in the early stages of education, then their academic performance would suffer. If their academic performance was to decline, then their chances of joining a good university would reduce. If they cannot join a good university, they might not qualify for the profession they seek (Lewis, 2012:21). This would, in turn, limit their job satisfaction, and affect their attitude towards life. They would live out the rest of their lives feeling dissatisfied and unhappy, and would be extremely vulnerable to depression. Research has shown that the different encounters of each gender influence mood disorder in the sense that they increase the chances of males or females, depending on their experiences, developing mood disorders (Serani, 2013:35). Experiences can differ depending on adults’ or children’s ages. For example, females above the age of fifteen are twice as likely to develop depression compared to males. In a study conducted among 11-year-olds, only 0.5 percent of girls met the threshold for severe depression while 2.5 percent of boys met the same threshold (Noonan, Petersen, Alpert, & Nierenberg, 2013:56). However, in an examination of adolescents aged between fourteen and sixteen, 3 percent of boys met the threshold, while 13 percent of girls did. Such a drastic increase in depressive disorders in girls between the mid and late adolescence periods can be blamed on the more worries girls have as compared to boys. These worries can stretch from their milestones or lack of, low confidence and self-esteem, dissatisfaction with their bodies, and sexual abuse. This logic is supported by another research that revealed that from the ages of fifteen to eighteen, the girls will exhibit an increase in the prevalence of depression (20.69) that is twice as high as that of boys (9.58) (Miller & Reynolds, 2012:103). However, it will gradually subside between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one for both genders. These statistics should not be taken to mean that depression is exclusive to females; many males are vulnerable to unipolar mood disorders (Lewis, 2012:34). For example, 49 percent of all males will develop a depressive disorder at some stage in their lives (versus 63 percent of females). Males tend to become dejected and melancholic for various reasons, including intimate relationships. Research shows that males are more likely to feel or become depressed at the end of intimate relationships. This could be explained by the fact that males’ have a primal need to have mates in order to preserve their genes and family names (Merrell, 2013:62). Similarly to a household setting, socialisation is important in having stable relationships and feeling appreciated and an important part of someone’s life. However, depression can severely affect the social capacity of the afflicted. It impacts their social functioning and capacity to respond and manage stressful events. According to research done by Gotlib and Hammen (1992), people with depressive symptoms post low scores in tests examining close relationships, quality, family actives, social engagements, and network development. Unsurprisingly, they post high scores in tests examining family arguments (Lewis, 2012:37). An important dimension in the onset of mood disorders in a social environment would be how effectively one can manage stressful situations. This is normally known as a coping mechanism, and it allows an individual to deal with his problems and avoid feeling or becoming overwhelmed. Conclusion From this discussion, it is safe to conclude that individual factors have little or no relation to depression. Depression is the result of deficiencies in nutritional, biological, psychological, and sociological factors. These aspects form the basic foundation of life, therefore any disruptions in their functionality leads to poor mental and physical health. In general, being healthy means having a balance in all these aspects. More research should be conducted to determine how best these factors can be managed to ensure that people avoid developing depressive thoughts. In addition, proactive measures have proven to be more effective than reactive approaches. Young people should be taught, from an early age, to look for balance in all dimensions of their lives and avoid compromising their mental health by ignoring the essentials of life. References Adams Media (2012) Depression a troubleshooting guide for parents, Cincinnati, Adams Media. Beck, A. & Alford, B. (2014) Depression causes and treatment (Second ed.), Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press. Blazer, D. (2012) The age of melancholy: "major depression" and its social origins (2nd ed.), New York, Routledge. Dubin, N. & Attwood, A. 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