Stress is a trigger that can cause depression, or make existing depression worse. Chronic stress can alter chemicals in the brain that in turn trigger depression. The series of hormonal changes and events that trigger depression in the presence of stress are still not completely understood. It is possible that over time chronic stress blocks beneficial chemicals from reaching the emotional center of the brain (the limbic system). We do know that stress affects mood. Some stress is beneficial. The key to reducing depression is by learning how to control our reactions to stress.
Seasonal Depression Change of season can trigger depression in susceptible individuals. No one knows exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but is thought to also be related to chemicals in the brain that change when sunlight dwindles. Winter months are most commonly associated with seasonal depression. Seasonal depression can also have a familial tendency, and recur at the same time each year. Individuals who experience depression during season changes display symptoms of depressed mood, weight gain, increased sleep, low energy levels, inability to concentrate, and irritability. Symptoms can be so severe as to induce thoughts of suicide or self harm. Light therapy can help individuals cope with seasonal depression. If you suffer from SAD, medication treatment may be beneficial.
Insomnia Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep can trigger depression. Conversely, inability to sleep might be a symptom of depression. Lack of sleep and depression are closely intertwined. When sleep is disturbed it causes anxiety. We dream less, giving our brain less chance to get rid of negative emotions. Lack of sleep in turn decreases our ability to deal with everyday stressors. Focus on exercise, breathing, yoga, and meditation can eliminate insomnia that can trigger depression.
Physical Illness Physical illness is a well known trigger for depression. Some illnesses are linked to depression more than others and include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Multiple Sclerosis. Cardiovascular disease including hypertension, heart disease and stroke are also known depression triggers. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are also associated with increased incidence of depression. Keeping up with regular physical exams, combined with lifestyle choices that can eliminate chances of heart disease and diabetes can keep depression from physical illness at bay.
Pain Pain affects the brain and can trigger depression by altering brain activity. The way depression is triggered when pain is present is thought to be the result of distracting brain signals. When pain is present the limbic system that allows us to experience elevated mood is cut off. The same pathways in the brain that transmit pain also regulate mood. Eventually central nervous system function is altered. When pain recurs it triggers depression by activating the area of the brain that affects mood. Pain treatment is helped by anti-depressants precisely because of the way pain affects brain signals. You should speak with your doctor if you experience pain. A combination of exercise, mind-body therapy, and prescribed medications can keep pain under control and control depression.
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Seasonal Depression
Change of season can trigger depression in susceptible individuals. No one knows exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but is thought to also be related to chemicals in the brain that change when sunlight dwindles. Winter months are most commonly associated with seasonal depression. Seasonal depression can also have a familial tendency, and recur at the same time each year. Individuals who experience depression during season changes display symptoms of depressed mood, weight gain, increased sleep, low energy levels, inability to concentrate, and irritability. Symptoms can be so severe as to induce thoughts of suicide or self harm. Light therapy can help individuals cope with seasonal depression. If you suffer from SAD, medication treatment may be beneficial.
Insomnia
Lack of sleep and poor quality sleep can trigger depression. Conversely, inability to sleep might be a symptom of depression. Lack of sleep and depression are closely intertwined. When sleep is disturbed it causes anxiety. We dream less, giving our brain less chance to get rid of negative emotions. Lack of sleep in turn decreases our ability to deal with everyday stressors. Focus on exercise, breathing, yoga, and meditation can eliminate insomnia that can trigger depression.
Physical Illness
Physical illness is a well known trigger for depression. Some illnesses are linked to depression more than others and include Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and Multiple Sclerosis. Cardiovascular disease including hypertension, heart disease and stroke are also known depression triggers. Endocrine disorders such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and hypothyroidism are also associated with increased incidence of depression. Keeping up with regular physical exams, combined with lifestyle choices that can eliminate chances of heart disease and diabetes can keep depression from physical illness at bay.
Pain
Pain affects the brain and can trigger depression by altering brain activity. The way depression is triggered when pain is present is thought to be the result of distracting brain signals. When pain is present the limbic system that allows us to experience elevated mood is cut off. The same pathways in the brain that transmit pain also regulate mood. Eventually central nervous system function is altered. When pain recurs it triggers depression by activating the area of the brain that affects mood. Pain treatment is helped by anti-depressants precisely because of the way pain affects brain signals. You should speak with your doctor if you experience pain. A combination of exercise, mind-body therapy, and prescribed medications can keep pain under control and control depression.
note - for best tips to control and manage stress and depression checkout this