A Look Inside The Brain During Exercise

There seems to be no end to the benefits of exercise. Humans need to move or else fall victim to what is often referred to as the sitting disease. If the majority of your day is spent sitting, your overall health will suffer, it can lead to weight gain, heart disease and other serious chronic illness, as you get older. Lack of movement can lead to heart attack, stroke, and a general loss in quality of life in our senior years.

 

Everyone agrees that exercise is physically great for the body. However, did you know that exercise also has a wide variety of benefits for the human brain? What exactly happens in our brains when we exercise to have such an impressive effect on our mental health?

What Actually Happens In The Brain During Exercise

 

Exercise causes our heart pressure to rise, which sends a signal to the brain that the body is under stress. In response, a protein is released into our body called “brain-derived neurotrophic factor” (BDNF). This protein is thought of as a “reset switch” – it repairs memory neurons, making thoughts seem crystal clear after exercising and putting the body at ease. 

 

Simultaneously, endorphins are released into the brain, which are meant to limit the degree of pain and discomfort associated with exercise, even creating a sense of euphoria. Like BDNF, endorphins are released in response to the feeling of “stress” brought on by exercise. The term, “runner’s high” is the coin phrase used to describe the surge of endorphins during exercise that act as a natural anti-depressant.

 

The same antidepressant-like effect from a “runner’s high” results in a reduction in stress level hormones. Additionally, a study conducted in Stockholm showed that running stimulates cell growth in the hippocampus, which is the portion of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

 

How Our Mind And Body Are Affected

 

Together, BDNF and endorphins give us a “happy” feeling after exercise. These are somewhat addictive in nature, which is one reason why some people seem obsessed with exercising, although this “addiction” can be a healthy one. 

 

Besides the short-term high from endorphins and BDNF, exercise also has long-term benefits. Studies show that people are happier and more productive throughout the day when they exercise. A Penn State research study showed that people who had worked out within the previous month were happier and more productive at work compared to those who had not exercised (but not quite to the same degree as those who had worked out earlier that day). People who exercise regularly have much better moods than those who don’t and retain a stronger sense of calmness throughout the day. 

Exercise affects the brain on various fronts. Not only does it increase heart rate that pumps more oxygen to the brain, it also facilitates the release of various hormones that provides a nourishing environment for the growth of brain cells.

Research conducted at UCLA showed that working out stimulates the growth of new neuronal connections in a variety of important cortical areas of the brain. 

How To Maximize The Benefits

 

20 Minutes

 

Based on this information, you might think that professional athletes are the happiest people on the planet. According to research conducted by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Georgia showed that only 20 minutes of exercise is needed to reach that peak level of productivity, positive mood, and facilitates information processing and memory functions. The key is to turn it into a habit. 

 

Mental And Physical Connection

There is an important mental and physical connection that can increase the benefits of exercise. For example, exercise that integrates different parts of brain activity, such as ballroom dancing that requires rhythm, strategy, coordination and thoughtfulness in movements stimulates cognitive health more than less complex workouts like running or cycling that do not necessarily engage diverse mental abilities.

Adding Exercise To Your Life

 

Working out in the morning before work or school helps to spike brain activity, prepares you for stresses you may incur during your day, allows for increased retention of new information and learning, and equips you to cope with complex situations that may arise.

 

Start-off easy – even just 5-10 minutes a day – and gradually increase the length and intensity of your workout. Going to a group or class at the gym makes exercising more fun, and it’s a great way to learn new techniques and to meet new fitness minded people. 

 

However, getting motivated to go to the gym regularly can be a challenge, so try different exercises at home and outdoors in your neighborhood, such as jogging, biking, strength training, etc. Variety is the spice of life, and the more you vary your routine the better for your motivation and your body.

 

There are many apps on your smartphone that can provide you with workout sets for all experience levels and even guide you through the exercises. Furthermore, apps like Map My Fitness and Nike enable you to track your progress, which is a great way to stay motivated as you watch yourself improve. 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Remember, the health of your mind and body are closely connected, and exercise is one of the best – if not the very best – ways to improve mental and physical health in both the long-term and short-term. 

 

The long-term benefits of exercising regularly are immense – reduced risk of disease, improved mental health, stronger body/muscles, reduced stress, improved digestion, improved blood circulation, and much more. 

 

Even just going on a 20-minute daily walk is immensely better for you than staying sedentary. Find a training partner, set a schedule, do whatever you have to do to get those endorphins and BDNF proteins pumping as often as you can!

 

Is Exercise Addiction Real?

We have all seen people who are seemingly obsessed with exercise, diets, and fitness regimes, and sometimes we may wonder if they are over doing it slightly. 

 

Does this mean they have an addiction to exercise?  

 

Is such a thing real? While it may not be a formally classified mental disorder, it shares many similarities to other behavioral addictions, and can have harmful consequences. Although there is no single definition of exercise addiction, it is generally agreed that it comprises withdrawal, a buzz when exercising, impairs normal functioning, and can affect relationships; this is much the same as with other addictive behaviors. 

 

Research is continuing into exercise addiction, or excessive addiction as it otherwise known, so it is likely to be better understood in the future.

 

What It Looks Like

 

• As with any other addiction, one of the main characteristics of exercise addiction is a compulsion, or a need, to engage in the behavior on a very frequent basis.

• This may include over exercising several times a day or week, causing physical harm to oneself through too much exercise and putting exercise before other important things in life.  

• When not exercising, there is likely to be a withdrawal, which only fuels the need to exercise even more. 

• Someone with an exercise addiction is also likely to avoid other normal aspects of day-to-day life, for fear of not exercising enough that day. 

• They may lack motivation or interest in social activities that are not based around exercise, and find they retreat inwards, away from their social networks. 

• Despite possibly causing injury to themselves, someone with an exercise addiction will continue no matter what. Even if they are injured and should be resting, they will more than likely engage in some form of exercise. The addiction and need to do some kind of exercise will be greater than the impact of the injury.  

 

Getting Help

 

There is no formal treatment plan for exercise addiction; this may be developed as research into this area continues. However, there are a number of treatments for other addictions that can be applied in this case. 

 

Initially, the addict must realize and accept they have a problem. Without this vital first step, any subsequent treatment is unlikely to work. If there are any injuries or health problems, whether associated to the exercise or not, these must be considered and treated as a priority. Next, the person needs to begin the long road of changing their thoughts and behaviors around exercise. 

 

The ultimate aim is to get them to a place where they can engage in exercise a healthy amount, but still fully participate in day-to-day life. This may take a long time, as the root cause of the addiction should be uncovered; if the addiction has been present for a long time, this may be very difficult to do, even with the support of a professional. 

 

One of the challenges to this type of compulsion versus say drugs or alcohol is that in the later cases the addict must abstain completely form using, but with exercise, the person can and should get back to exercise but learn balance and restraint. 

 

If the person has low self-esteem, this will need to be built up in other ways, so they are able to get the same effect through another mechanism, not excessive exercise. The person’s family, friends, and support network should also be involved, as the addiction will have affected them. They are also the people who will be able to provide the greatest level of support to the individual, and hopefully create a change in them.

 

Bottom Line

 

Exercise addiction is a very real addiction, and should be treated like any other behavioral addiction as it shares the same characteristics and treatment options. Thankfully, the prognosis is positive once the person has accepted the addiction and is ready to work with others to bring about change.

 

10 Ways To Combat Fatigue And Increase Your Vitality

We live in a society of tired and worn-out people. Many people have desk jobs or sit around all day, which, while not using much actual energy, tends to make us feel zapped and more tired because physical movement begets energy. We run around from work to chores to home where we face more chores without the needed energy to accomplish these tasks. We spend weekends stuck to gaming systems, television screens and spend little time in the fresh air. 

 

We spend time wishing we had more energy. We take unhealthy shortcuts by downing Red Bull energy drinks to keep us going, not realizing that these drinks contain high amounts of sugar and caffeine that have landed many people in hospital emergency rooms. The energy drink industry, which nets an estimated $10 billion per year is resulting in a rising number of patients, many of whom are young in being treated in emergency rooms for serious complications related to the high intake of caffeine in drinks like 5-hour energy, Monster Energy and of course, Red Bull. 

 

According to a report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, visits to hospitals because of energy drink complications doubled from 2007 to 2011. 20,783 emergency room visits cited energy drinks as a primary cause of the health condition being treated, including headaches, anxiety, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks.

 

Many of us are overweight and partake in a diet filled with processed fake food that does not nutrify our bodies and only weighs us down and makes us tired and sick.

Fortunately, there are natural and effective ways you can combat fatigue and increase your energy and vitality. Some of these techniques and habits can also slow the process of aging.

 

There are some ways you can fight fatigue:

 

• Make sure there isn’t something physically wrong. There are several physical reasons why you might have chronic fatigue, from thyroid disease, anemia, sleep apnea, heart disease, to arthritis. The only way you can determine if any of these are the problem is to visit your doctor and be evaluated for these diseases. Many can be treated or reversed so that you can gain energy back. 

• Pay attention to the medications you are taking. Many medications have fatigue as a side effect and only a few of them have this side effect wear off after continued use. If you feel especially tired after starting a medication, talk to your doctor to see if anything can be done. 

• Exercise. While it would seem logical that exercise would make fatigue worse, actually the opposite is true. Being physically active tends to boost your energy levels, not to mention maximize the function of many of your body’s organs. Exercise can help you lose weight, which can further significantly increase your energy. According to the President's Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day. More than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for aerobic activity that is known to increase energy and vitality, especially as we age. 

• Try yoga. Yoga is one exercise that has been shown to improve confidence, lessen fatigue, and clear the mind. Many types of yoga are ideal for just about any fitness level. Yoga has been found to be helpful by research in men and women over the age of 65, who generally have a great problem with fatigue.   

• Keep from being dehydrated. Keep a water bottle filled and chilled for more energy by fighting dehydration. Research on athletes has shown that being dehydrated zaps the energy from their activity. Even if you’re not athletic, staying hydrated with water will give you that added bit of energy you deserve. 

• Get enough sleep. The best way to get enough sleep is to go to bed early and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep. In one 2004 study, it was found that people who got adequate sleep were more vigorous and reported less fatigue. Naps are other ways to freshen up your energy level. Try for short naps, no longer than 30 minutes. Any longer than that and you will have difficulty sleeping during the night. One study showed that a nap followed by a small quantity of caffeine such as a 5-ounce cup of coffee or tea can restore your energy even more. 

• Try omega-3 fatty oils. Fish oil capsules are good for you in many ways. One way, as shown by a 2009 Italian study, to boost energy and have quicker mental reaction times, is to take fish oil capsules containing omega 3 fatty acids. The capsules also restored physical vigor.  

• Become aware of your personal circadian rhythm. Everyone is different in terms of when they have the most energy. Find out if you’re a morning person or a night owl and work with it instead of against it. If you have especially demanding activities to do, choose to do them when you have the most energy to work with.  

• Lose weight. Carrying around extra weight can be exhausting and the only way to rid yourself of that exhaustion is to start a healthy exercise and diet program that will help you shed pounds and feel more vigorous. There are no specific diets that work any better than creating a calorie deficit and working out at least 30 minutes per day.

• Eat smaller meals. Large meals zap you of energy because the body needs to use a lot of energy to digest them. Think about a time you ate a buffet, where everyone naturally eats too much food, versus a meal that included a salad. More likely than not when you left the buffet you felt exhausted and wishing someone would wheel you out of there, versus the energy you felt after a raw whole food meal such as a salad. Small and frequent meals will keep your blood sugars from fluctuating, giving you steady amounts of food energy throughout the day.  

 

Treatment Options for Depression

Depression is different for different people. It's important to work with your healthcare provider to work out a suitable treatment that fits your needs. Here are some of the treatment options your doctor may discuss with you.

 

Pharmaceuticals

 

There are various drugs available that are used to treat depression. It's a good idea to be as detailed as you can in sharing your symptoms with your doctor, because he or she will base your medication on these symptoms. All depression medications are not the same; they are specifically designed to treat certain symptoms. In cases of severe depression, medication is often needed to enable the patient to seek other forms of treatment. 

 

One thing to keep in mind is that it may not be a good idea to rely on medication alone. Most sources agree that you should seek other forms of treatment in addition to your medication. One final point on medicines for depression - if you don't like the side effects or think you're "all better now" and don't need them, don't just stop taking them on your own. 

 

Psychotherapy

 

For depression that is mild or moderate, psychotherapy can help a great deal. Professional psychotherapists work with depressed people to help them talk things out and focus on the thought processes and habits that contribute to the patient's depression. Psychotherapists sort of "explain" the depression to the patient so it seems less frightening and overwhelming; they help the patient gain control. Therapy sessions may include family members or be done on an individual basis.

 

Exercise

 

Research has shown the effectiveness of exercise in treating depression. Exercise helps boost "feel good" brain chemicals and helps improve overall health and fitness, which may boost self-esteem. Most sources suggest 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to get the full benefits. 

 

Supplements

 

Studies suggest that supplements may help depression. Vitamins, minerals, and certain herbs may relieve the symptoms of mild or moderate depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to help decrease depression symptoms. Other supplements that may help include:

 

• Fish oil
• Evening primrose oil (said to be particularly helpful for depression in women)
• B-complex vitamins 
• Magnesium
• Flax oil
• Valerian (a mild herbal sedative)

 

Diet

 

A healthy diet may help boost mood in depressed individuals. Nutrient-dense foods can provide your body with the necessary substances that it needs to fight depression and get your brain in optimal working order. Here are some dietary tips for helping treat your depression.

 

• Whole grains and complex carbs may help boost serotonin levels in the brain. Some depressed people crave sugar; this may be your body's way of telling you it needs carbs. Give it what it needs, but not in unhealthy forms like sugar or white flour baked goods.

• Fresh fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants and nutrients. Make sure to include lots of these in your diet. 

• Healthy fats can be helpful in treating depression. Go for fish and nuts to give your body the healthy fats it needs.

Depression: Signs and Symptoms

How do you know when you're just having a hard time and are stressed out, or if it's something more serious? When is it clinical depression? While a doctor is the only one who can make a qualified diagnosis, there are some signs and symptoms of depression that can signal your need to see a doctor. Here are some of those signs and symptoms.

 

Morning Blues

 

According to medical sources, feeling particularly depressed in the morning is a sign that you may have depression. Feeling sad all day is also part of depression, but the morning blues - perhaps making you just want to stay in or go back to bed - are particularly likely to be connected with depression.

 

Anger

 

Many people don't realize that recent research points to a connection between anger and depression. Blowing up and yelling at people without being able to control it may signify depression.

 

Irritability

 

Slightly different from anger, irritability is more about feeling snappish or easily frustrated and/or annoyed than angry blow-ups. Irritability connected to depression may make you feel really on edge all the time.

 

Overwhelm

 

Do you find yourself wanting to give up because things seem like they're just too much? Do you say, "I just can't take anymore," often? Depression can make you feel overwhelmed and over-stressed even when your schedule is not terribly demanding. Even a simple request for you to do something may send you over the edge and make you feel super-stressed.

 

Feeling Inadequate

 

People with depression may constantly compare themselves to others. As noted above, a not-too-demanding schedule may seem overwhelming to a depressed person, thus making the depressed person feel inadequate that he/she can't handle a schedule that others seem to handle fine. This sets up a cycle of feeling inadequate. 

 

Insomnia or Excessive Sleepiness

 

Ironically, depression can cause some people to lose sleep, while it makes others want to sleep all the time (hypersomnia). 

 

Lack of Interest 

 

Are you just not interested in any outside activities? Are things you once looked forward to just burdensome things you have to trudge through and get done? This may mean you have depression. 

 

Changes in Weight

 

In another irony of depression, both weight loss and weight gain may be symptoms of depression. Generally, if you gain or lose 5% or more of your body weight in a month, it may mean depression.

 

Indecision 

 

Depression can make you feel like you can't make a decision, even simple ones. Your schedule just seems like gibberish when you look at it; you may not show up for things you have on your calendar or get dates wrong. Everyone makes mistakes, of course, but if this is a chronic problem or you just can't seem to get a handle on your schedule even when you sit down and try to figure out what to do and what to skip, it may mean depression.

 

Inability to Concentrate

 

Depressed people often have trouble concentrating and focusing. Your mind may wander, even to thoughts of death or suicide, and you may feel like you just can't get it together.

Natural Treatments for Depression

If you suffer from mild to moderate depression, you may be interested in natural treatments. Even cases of severe depression may benefit from natural remedies in conjunction with medication. 

 

Natural treatments run the gamut from supplements to lifestyle changes to alternative therapy. Here are some natural treatments that may help this disorder.

 

Dietary Adjustments

 

Natural health experts generally agree that diet is important in managing depression symptoms. Some dietary changes you can make include:

• Eat nutrient-dense foods. This helps make sure your body has all the vitamins and minerals it needs for proper brain function. Fresh produce, nuts, and whole grains tend to be rich in vital nutrients. 

• EFAs, or essential fatty acids. EFAs, or essential fatty acids, may help boost mood in depressed individuals. EFAs can be found in healthy oils like olive or safflower, and in fish and nuts. 

• Cut back on refined white sugar and corn syrup. These refined sweeteners tend to cause blood sugar spikes and slumps, which contribute to the symptoms of depression.

• Eat whole foods, such as whole grains and fresh produce. This not only provides depressed individuals with much-needed, healthy carbs; it also minimizes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives from the diet. These artificial substances may contribute to depression in some individuals. 

 

Chiropractic and other Body-Oriented Treatments

 

These alternative therapies seem to be gaining acceptance among medical experts. Techniques like chiropractic adjustments, massage, acupuncture, and others may help relieve depression symptoms. This may have to do with improving circulation or the elimination of toxins from the tissues of the body. Other body treatments include:

 

• Dance therapy
• Acupressure
• Martial arts
• Yoga

 

Exercise

 

Working out daily can be hard even if you don't have depression. But it's even more important if you do - exercise has been shown to help relieve symptoms of depression. This may be due to the ability of exercise to boost brain chemicals that make you feel happy. Exercise brings balance to your life, balancing activity and rest; a balanced lifestyle itself can be very helpful in dealing with depression. 

 

Most sources are consistent in pointing out that exercise need not be strenuous, but that it should be regular - 30 to 60 minutes a day for 3 to 6 days a week. 

 

Supplements

 

A good vitamin and mineral supplement that is high in B12 and B6 is said to be good for alleviating depression. Magnesium is another mineral that tends to be deficient in many people, and that is important for proper nerve and muscle function. You may also find that supplements of evening primrose oil, flax oil, or fish oil will help your mood.

 

Herbal supplements have sometimes been used with success. St. John's Wort is probably the best-known herb that may combat depression. Others include ginseng, valerian root, and chamomile. Chamomile can be drunk as a tea, as can another tasty sedative herb - lemon balm. 

 

Always check with your doctor before supplementing with any herbs to avoid any adverse drug/herb interactions. And if you know a qualified herbalist, you can get advice from him or her, too.

Living with Depression: Life's Not Over

For those living with depression, every day can be a challenge. For family members of depressed people, it's sometimes hard to know what to do, and you may feel like you're walking on eggshells. Understanding depression can go a long way in helping deal with this illness, and there are some coping tips that may help. Here are some suggestions.

 

Get the Best Treatment

 

The first step for a depressed person is to get treatment - but it's equally important to get the best treatment, say experts. This means taking the time to get the help you need, or helping your depressed family member get optimal help. 

 

Include Family in Therapy

 

While the depressed individual may not want family members present in every counseling or therapy session, it may be a good idea to include family members at least some of the time. The therapist can then see a slice of the family dynamic, and the family members can gain a better understanding of the issue. Some family members are more likely to believe a therapist's "take" on things than take the depressed person's word for it.  

 

Including family may also help other family members to better understand how to treat the depressed individual, and what things they can say or do to support the depressed person.

 

Parents of Teens

 

Because teenagers are a high-risk group for developing depression, sources say, the parents of teens may benefit from some tips on living with a depressed teen. Here are some suggestions.

 

• Develop a tough skin. Teens who are depressed may yell at you to leave them alone, to go away, or to stop talking to them. For teens, this may be a sort of test of your parenting - the teen may be testing to see if you care enough to press through the anger and continue trying to reach them. Parents who truly do care may miss this aspect and just give up after being yelled at. Instead, remember it's not personal and your teen still needs you.  

• Listen. Busy parents often forget to listen, and how important it is. Parents sometimes need to stop running and take a break to listen and talk. A parent-teen "date" or retreat can help - maybe a mother-daughter shopping trip or father-son fishing excursion. 

• Encourage your depressed teen to problem solve. As parents, we just want their struggles to go away; but giving them the tools to cope is a gift that will last a lifetime. It's okay to help, encourage, and prompt your teen; but experts say your goal as a parent is to get their brains working on solving their own problems. 

 

Nurture Relationships

 

As a depressed person, it may be hard to maintain friendships. But supportive friends are important for your depression management and coping. Try to make a point of nurturing these relationships; it will help you break out of yourself and focus on someone else.

Top Depression-Fighting Foods

Did you know that what you eat may have an effect on your mood? Some medical professionals and natural health experts point to the role of nutrients in fighting depression. According to multiple sources, certain foods contain these vital, depression-fighting nutrients. Here are some of the top depression-fighting foods.

 

Turkey

 

Have you seen L-tryptophan and L-tyrosine supplements in health food stores? Some people supplement with these two amino acids because they are said to boost mood. Your body needs these substances to make the important brain chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine. 

 

Rather than supplements, which may or may not be absorbed well in your body, experts suggest foods high in these amino acids as a better source. Turkey is one of those foods - it contains L-tryptophan. Other foods with these amino acids include:

• Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas)
• Chicken 
• Fish
• Beans
• Avocados

 

Lean Beef

 

If you can find lean, grass-fed beef, it may be better and more nutritious than corn-fed, factory-raised beef. Why beef for depression? Beef contains B6 and B12, which are extremely important for regulating mood. Other sources of B6 include:

 

• Eggs
• Tuna
• Bananas
• Prunes
• Garbanzo beans

 

Salmon

 

Have you heard about the benefits of "good fats" in treating and managing depression? There's a good reason for that - essential fatty acids, the good fats, may play a significant role in regulating mood. Salmon is high in these important fats. It's also a good source of B12, another mood-booster. 

 

Clams

 

These little bivalves contain that wonderful B12, too. Other foods with this brain-boosting vitamin include:

 

• Oysters
• Crab
• Cow's milk
• Chicken

 

Oysters and crab also contain an important depression-fighting nutrient: zinc. 

 

Beans

 

You may have heard about how important folate, or folic acid, is for pregnant women and their unborn babies. It may be important for depressed people, too - folate may have a profound effect on important neurotransmitters. Specific beans that have the most folate include:

 

• Lentils
• Pinto beans
• Garbanzos
• Black beans

 

Another note on beans, black beans in particular - they tend to be high in magnesium, an important depression-fighting nutrient. Other foods high in magnesium include:

• Oat bran
• Artichokes
• Halibut
• Almonds
• Spinach

 

Greens

 

Also rich in folate, dark leafy greens and other vegetables contain iron and calcium as well. Greens include:

 

• Asparagus
• Collard greens
• Turnip greens
• Spinach

 

Yogurt

 

This yummy milk product contains zinc, which is required by the brain to produce anti-anxiety compounds. Other foods with zinc include:

• Turkey (once again!)
• Barley
• Lentils
• Pumpkin seeds

 

Nuts and Seeds

 

Nuts are rich in healthy fats and vitamin E. According to various sources, the best nuts for combating depression include:

 

• Walnuts
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds (these little seeds contain a lot of depression-fighting nutrients!)
• Filberts (Hazelnuts)

 

Tomatoes

 

In addition to vitamin C, which is necessary to process B12 and iron, tomatoes provide antioxidants and vitamin E. Tomato sauce and fresh tomatoes both provide beneficial nutrients for depression. 

 

Whole Grains

 

Depression can induce carb cravings, which in the modern world means cravings for sugary snacks. But your body is probably trying to tell you something - healthy carbs are said to be a key factor in fighting depression. So give your body what it's asking for, but in a healthy form. Examples of healthy carbs include:

 

• Brown rice
• Whole wheat
• Millet
• Quinoa

 

As you look at this list, you might be getting some ideas for meals, combinations, and a shopping list. Think of combining these ingredients to make casseroles, soups, salads, and other tasty dishes.

Depression Explained

Do you know someone who has depression? Have you or someone in your family been diagnosed with depression? Even if we are dealing with depression in ourselves or our families, we may not know what it really is. Is it just feeling sad all the time? Why can't people just snap out of it? 

 

Depression is said to be the most widespread mental disorder. It affects women far more than men, and is particularly prevalent in teens. 

 

What Causes Depression?

 

There are various opinions on what causes depression, and even the role of brain chemicals is debated. Generally, though, depression can be separated into two categories: circumstantial and clinical.

 

Circumstantial depression refers to feelings surrounding an event, such as a death in the family or having to sell one's house and move. The circumstances that can cause depression are extremely numerous, from kids having trouble with friends at school to the elderly in a nursing home. Circumstantial depression is also highly individualized.

 

Clinical depression defies circumstances and the depressed person may feel more depressed because he or she can't find a reason for such dreadful feelings. Clinical depression may baffle those around the patient, too, because they can't understand how a person could be depressed when his or her life seems to be going fine. This lack of understanding may make the patient's depression worse. 

 

Treatment approaches differ according to the type of depression the patient is experiencing as well as the individual's personality and lifestyle. 

 

Myths

 

There are a lot of myths surrounding depression that, when explained, help people better understand the illness. For example:

 

• Isn't depression just self-pity? Depressed people may seem to be "wallowing" in their sadness, but it's not willful self-pity. It's a true medical illness, sources point out, that should be treated as such. 

• Medication for depression is overkill, and just treats the symptoms. For those on the outside, so to speak, medication can seem like putting a Band-Aid on a massive wound. But often, medication is what the patient needs to feel good enough to seek help for the underlying problem. 

• Depression is not a "real" illness. Actually, it is; brain imaging studies have revealed how the actual chemical imbalances occur in the brain of a depressed person. It is considered physiological, even if the cause is circumstantial - the chemical imbalance may still be present regardless of the depression's origin. 

 

Other Factors

 

Depression can be affected not only by circumstances; genetics, personality, psychology, and biology may also play a role. Women are far more likely to be diagnosed with depression, indicating possible hormonal factors. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to succeed in suicide as a result of depression than women, although more women than men attempt suicide, sources report.