6 Major Contributors to Depression: Are You At Risk?
While not an exhaustive list, any one of these six factors in a person's life could lead to some serious mental and phyical health problems. However, a combination of two or more of them would send most people into clinical depression. Which of the following are you currently facing?
- Love loss. Are you suffering from a broken heart? Not only could this be as a result from a relationship ending, but the loss of a loved one through death. I've talked to several women recently who have gone through the tragic death of a cherished niece while others are realing from the untimely death of a parent or sibling. What relationship loss might be causing you to grieve right now?
- Move. Whether a move across the country or even across town, packing up your belongings and saying goodbye to what's familiar can be very traumatic. Cathy Goodwin, PhD, a.k.a. "The Moving Lady," says, "Major life changes take a long time. Six years, six months -- even six weeks seems long when you're fighting your way through a jungle. Along the way, clients tell me, they feel tired, frustrated and discouraged." Check out Cathy's book, Making the Big Move, for a smoother, less overwhelming experience.
- Career setback. Have you recently been down-sized? Have you been passed over for a promotion? Do you feel stuck in a rut -- feeling like you never got the break you needed? Whatever the cause, the loss of security or unmet expectations can be devastating.
- Financial setback. Wow! Do I ever know about this one first hand. After the dot-com boom and subsequent freefall of the late nineties, we witnessed a sizeable portion of our savings evaporate. Whether you are dealing with the loss of a job, a poor investment, massive medical bills, or the unfortunate victim of an unfounded lawsuit or embezzelment by a trusted employee, you're going to be dealing with more than your share of anxiety and be at high risk for depression.
- Life-threatening illness. There's nothing like the word "cancer" to strike fear into most of us! Or maybe you've lost movement in your legs following a tragic accident, or you are suffering from a painful illness. Perhaps you're slowly losing your sight or a heart attack has given you a wake-up call to modify your lifestyle. Whatever the reason, your life is suddenly consumed by your illness -- treating it, coping with it, surviving it. It shakes up your world and can cause serious depression.
- Major life passage. Did your last child leave the nest? Were you forced to put a parent in a nursing home? Are you facing a signficant birthday and wondering if you've done enough with your life? Transitional life events like these signal the end of life as we know it and the beginning of something new and unfamiliar. Changes can be terrifying and can send many into a tailspin.
Depression is more than just "the blues" or feeling down. It's an illness that alters brain chemistry, causing a variety of symptoms. Are you suffering from any of these?
- Feelings of extreme sadness or emptiness?
- Loss of interest or pleasure in all or most of your daily activities?
- Tiredness and lack of energy almost daily?
- Sleeping a lot more (or less) than usual?
- Noticeable change in appetite or weight?
- Feeling and appearing anxious, restless, or slowed down every day?
- Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate, overwhelming guilt?
- Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions?
- Thoughts about death or suicide attempts?
If you experience five or more of these symptoms during a two week period (including depressed mood or loss of interest in life), you may be suffering from depression.
Why am I telling you all this? Because the best way to deal with depression is to recognize it and face it head on. Don't go it alone! Get help and support. Reach out to others who can pull you up and give you hope.