Symptoms & Causes of Depression with free printable

Symptoms & Causes of Depression

3/19/2017

|Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the world impacting over 300 million people worldwide (that's about the population of the United States of America!), and while 3-5% of adults in the US suffer from depression at any given time, many people may not know the signs and symptoms of clinical depression. It's also important to note that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

In this third article in a series focusing on depression, we will explore both the symptoms and causes of depression. Other posts from this series include:

Symptoms

Each diagnosis of depression will have a different set of symptoms, and a person will experience a diagnosis of depression that is unique to them. However, most individuals experience symptoms in four main areas: physical, emotional, behavioural, and with their thoughts. Some of the common symptoms in each area include:

Physical

aches & pains with the absence of physical exercise
headaches
loss or change of appetite/diet
significant weight loss/gain
sleeping issues
increase in physical ailments & feeling tired
digestion problems

Emotional

irritable, frustrated, angered easily
overwhelmed, indecisive
feelings of guilt or disappointment
lacking in confidence
despair, overwhelming sadness
hopelessness
extreme sadness & unhappiness

Behavioural

reckless
isolation, withdrawal from friends/family
unmotivated, unfocused
loss of interest in usual & enjoyable activities
reliance on substances
self-harm/suicide attempts

Thoughts

"I'm a failure"
"I'm worthless"
negative thoughts outweigh positive thoughts
catastrophizing (thinking the worst will happen)
suicidal thoughts/ideation

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could be associated with depression, reach out for more help from a doctor or mental health professional for proper diagnosis and support.

Causes

The cause of a diagnosis of clinical depression may overlap in three areas: biological, psychological and environmental. Although it can be helpful to read information (like this blog post) or take online tests to find out if the symptoms and concerns you're experiencing may relate to a diagnosis of depression, it's important to have an assessment administered by a doctor or mental health professional and receive an official diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.

If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, grab a pen and paper and write down any of the symptoms listed earlier that you or your loved one has been experiencing for more than two weeks and for most days. Also write down any possible causes from the following list, and bring your concerns with you to your next doctors appointment.

Biological

family history, genetic link to depression
imbalance of neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine
side-effect of medication
women have increased risk of developing depression (biology, hormones)

Psychological

experiences of trauma
personality traits (perfectionists, low self-esteem, worriers, self-critical)

Environmental

grief and loss (death, job loss, retirement)
social isolation
relationship conflict
health issues/chronic illness
high levels of stress over prolonged periods
experiences of abuse
drug & alcohol use

If you're eager for more information about the science behind depression and the study into neurogenesis, check out the video below:

Types

There are many different types of depression and for an in-depth list and description of each, check out beyondblue's website for more information. You might also be interested in reading about a type of depression that is dependent on the environment and weather called SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) - read more about it by clicking here.

Also check out the free printable I have created that can be helpful to bring to a doctor if you think you may have a form of depression.

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE PRINTABLE: 3 COMMON TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Navigate to the next article in this series:

Self-Care Strategies & Professional Supports for Treating Depression

Resources

References: beyondblue.org.au, adaa.org, nimh.nih.gov

Some links on this page are embedded with affiliate links that I may receive compensation for at no additional cost to you.

14 Comments

Abbie link

3/20/2017 02:45:59 pm

This was super interesting for me to read. I was just diagnosed with depression, and it's amazing how many of my daily struggles were related. Thank you!

Heather LeGuilloux link

3/22/2017 12:21:30 pm

Hi Abbie, I'm sorry to hear about your struggles, but glad that the article was interesting for you to read. Next week will focus on treatment and self-care strategies, so make sure you check it out to see if there is something that may help. Take good care!

Mike link

3/20/2017 10:40:48 pm

very thorough, I like it

3/22/2017 12:24:17 pm

Thanks! I try to include as much information or links to other resources as possible so that each post is filled with interesting knowledge that can help in some way.

Alisha link

3/22/2017 09:04:11 am

That kind you so much for sharing this. I feel like depression and anxiety are looked upon as these conditions that make people isolate themselves or drive people to mass murder. The same with PTSD. But I feel as though many don't understand that someone dealing with depression may be standing right in front of them smiling and joking.

Vince link

3/22/2017 12:04:26 pm

For that matter, depression wears many masks and often the people who seem the most normal are those fighting it. After all, society is fickle. Many people find that if they show how they feel, they are rejected for it. The problem is that hiding it takes its toll and sooner or later, most people break.

3/22/2017 12:29:46 pm

Revealing how a person truly feels can often feel quite vulnerable in part because of the stigma still present in society that suggests that mental health issues are taboo or 'unnatural' but also because it can be incredibly difficult to reveal such personal parts of ourselves to others. I have often heard from clients just how relieving it can be to share their struggles and true feelings.. as if a weight has been lifted that they had been carrying around with them. I hope my message to others is clear that there are people out there who can listen without judgement and that it's okay, and even courageous, to speak about these concerns. Thank you to both of you for the comments!

Elizabeth link

3/24/2017 08:33:08 am

I love this post, not only is the content so good, but the layout is super super readable and the printout is a great draw! Love it!

3/25/2017 04:45:33 pm

So glad you enjoyed the post, Elizabeth! Thanks for your comment. :)

Krista Aoki link

3/25/2017 11:55:15 pm

Love this post because depression and anxiety are so common. That anxiety eworkbook is an amazing idea, too! Sometimes I struggle with my anxiety and I really have to fight myself.

Great post.

xoxo
http://kristaaoki.com

Ghastly Girl link

3/26/2017 11:34:50 am

This is such a great resource. So many times individuals with depression may be unaware of what is causing their symptoms because they are not ones that are commonly thought of as being "depression" related. Thank you for taking the time to provide such a thorough guide and great printables!

3/26/2017 03:26:04 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed the post, Krista. Did you see I also have a free eBook for anxiety? Here's the link: http://www.subscribepage.com/anxietyebook - hope it helps, thanks for your comment!

3/26/2017 03:27:55 pm

So true, Ghastly Girl! I really do feel like 'knowledge is power' and in the case of mental health issues, it can really empower someone to make changes for the better if they know more about what could be happening for them. Thanks so much for your comment!

Janice Wald link

3/26/2017 06:08:49 pm

Thank you for coming to the Blogger's Pit Stop last week.
Janice, Pit Stop Crew

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