Why Some People Are More Prone to Depression?

It may seem freaky, bizarre to some, but yes it is true- many people around the world are prone to depression! It’s not just us who are telling but also research findings have proved it.

“The prevalence of depression globally has been increasing in recent decades ranging from 20% to 25% in women and about 7% to 12% in men. Also, as per the recent statistics by the World Health Organization, 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression.

So what’s the culprit behind this prevalence of depression? Here you can read about it.

Reasons why more people are prone to depression

• The first strong point to note ‘Mental health stigma’: People consider mental health as a stigma and a cause of shame. If a near one suffers from mental illness, we tend to hide it giving illogical reasons. But it’s high time we understand that the more we avoid talking about it, the more prone we are to problems.  

The society labels a person with mental illness as ‘Mad’ and this rude labelling can hurt and insult people. But they had never known that the problem is that if we don’t visit a medical professional; if we simply say ‘tough it out,’ then a loss of control over our lives can be the result. I mention depression because it’s so infernally prevalent and many people are prone to depression and suffer from it.

We all know the benefits of healthy habits and thus we try our best to maintain a lifestyle which would help us lead a healthy life physically but what we often forget that being fit both mentally and physically is equally important. One major aspect of mental illness is suffering from depression and we often ignore the sign of it.

• Gender: According to the statistics of depression, women are two times more affected with depression compared to men. It is estimated that approximately twenty to twenty-five per cent of women and twelve per cent of men are most likely to experience serious depression at least once in their lifetime. In children, depression tends to occur equally among boys and girls. However, as girls reach their adolescent stage, they tend to become more affected than boys.
  
  There are some theories as to why women are more affected with depression than man, which has something to do with the way women think, hormonal changes in women, and their abilities to cope up with stress.
• Marital Factors: People who are separated, divorced, or unhappily married have higher rates of developing major depression than those couples who are happily married and are satisfied with their lives.
• Age: People who are over 65 years old are more vulnerable to experiencing episodes of depression than those of younger age. However, depression usually occurs for the first time in a person ageing twenty to fifty years old.
• Heredity: Heredity is one risk factor that causes depression. People who have a greater chance of developing depression are those with relatives who have experienced depression in the past. Also, a person’s chance of having depression is increased if he or she has a relative with bipolar disorder.
• Previous Episodes: If a person experienced a major depression in the past, it is most likely that there is a bigger chance of developing it again. It is estimated that approximately one half of those who suffered from depression in the past will experience it again anytime in the future.

Let us find out about the symptoms of depression so that we can help ourselves and our near and dear ones from coping with it.

Symptoms of Depression

There are various depression signs and symptoms, but you may not have them all. They differ from person to person as to how intense they are, and how long they can last. A person suffering from depression may feel,

• Sad, feel anxious or empty: It will continue over a period of time without going away.
  
• Helpless, guilty or worthless: The person may feel bad about their self or life. He or she may think a lot about failures or losses.
• Feel hopeless: You may be pessimistic or believe that nothing good will ever happen. You may even think about suicide.
• Feel irritable: They may get more cranky or restless than usual.
• Lose interest in activities: Games or hobbies you usually enjoy may not appeal to them.
• Less energetic: Daily tasks and routines may seem too hard to manage.
• Changes in sleep patterns: They may have trouble falling asleep. or it can also be the opposite. They may sleep much longer than usual.

That is why some people seek the help of counsellors or psychiatrists because they can at least talk about their problems to them. They do not get the courage to talk to other people as they think that they will be judged for their actions.

Treating depression is crucial

If you are suffering from depression, it is best to seek treatment at once as depression can become a serious mental illness. It can also lead to suicidal attempts if left untreated.

Treatments for depression include antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, and natural remedies. Knowing what causes depression is not enough. To live a depression-free life, you should also be knowledgeable enough on how to cope with depression and how to choose the right remedies for depression.

Coping with Depression- We can help

Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it. — Helen Keller

If you’re triggered in ways by what has happened in life or what’s happening right now, please reach out to the people you care and trust about. Allow them to remind you of what you could lose. Seek treatment if you need it. If you’re hiding some darkness within you, or if you vow every morning to not only strive your best but mask your own insecurities and pain, know that you don’t have to. You deserve to be okay.

Here’s a word from Cadabam’s- Though you are feeling quite blue, alone, low or is unable to manage your condition, you can definitely do something to keep yourself mentally sound. We can help you! Reach out to us today. Depression is Real, but so is Hope.

Call us today at or visit us today at Cadabam’s.