What actually causes depression, and how is it treated?

[msc545]

Depression is the most common and in many ways the most debilitating psychiatric illness that there is. What do you know about what causes it, what the symptoms are, how it is treated and what the various treatments are? Have you ever had depression and if so were you able in one way or another to overcome it or are you still having some of it?

Updates

14 d

Sorry that was a mess. What do you think causes what? In this scenario, depression is just as likely to cause the things that you mentioned as the things that you mentioned causing depression. At least I think so.

[Staximus]

I don’t know about the particulars concerning what happens inside the brain chemically or physically and whatnot. What caused my depression was watching my mom slowly die from cancer for 4 years when I was 16 to 20 years old. It really knocked the wind out of my sails. I did all the usual shit and tried to distract myself, but you only distract yourself from yourself for so long. I know that my mom would’ve wanted me to make a good life for myself and keep moving forward, but moving forward was the problem. Depression is like the “swamps of sadness” in the never-ending story, except the swamp is in your mind and what’s dragging you down into the pits of despair is your thoughts. It’s like a war inside your head that you have to fight everyday. When you give up, you’ve lost the fight for your own life and happiness. Convincing people that their own life and happiness is worth them fighting for and teaching them how to do that is a whole other enchilada. I start by waking up and making myself get out of bed. My mantra for depression isn’t very profound or philosophical, it’s straight to the point- Get the fuck up, you’re not dead yet.

[MrChinaski]

Depressed people have more realistic expectations than average. True story.

🤷‍♀️

[msc545]

They certainly don't engage in denial nearly as much, and that's problematic for lots of people.

[msc545]

@MrChinaski, that was a uniquely insightful statement. Thank you.

[HollyK21]

I agree with Tempodip, I think a lot of depression can stem from unhealed trauma. Could something you went through growing up, even if you went through it silently. As you get older, other things lend a hand. Could be an unsuccessful dating life, or a toxic one. I also think lack of fulfillment play a role, not accomplishing goals or not having the nerve/confidence/etc to work towards them. Even having failed in your efforts, like a job or goal that didn’t work out when you tried. Each person has their own causes, so it’s for the individual to unpack things, heal them, and part of that journey helps us to better understand ourselves, what’s contributing to the depression and if ultimately it can be overcome.

[msc545]

Good the things that you mentioned be caused by depression as opposed to depression causing them?

[msc545]

Could

[Ez-Bri-Z_v2]

Yeah I actively have it but no idea where it manifested from originally short of maybe my self hate. It depresses me to the point of helplessness at times and has made me agoraphobic. I am on meds now and it isn't as bad depression wise. I only get dark thoughts every so often but nowhere near as bad as it used to be.

I can't say for sure if it was innate since birth or if it developed over time. I just know it sucks.

[Maybe_Maybe_not]

While I believe there are objective aspects to depression, I wouldn't try to explain general causes, or general treatment, because that's the generalization route.

The risk would be to look too much at illness itself, at the expense of what it means for each individual showing signs of depression. Meaning loosing the focus on people, because in the end what matters is people well-being. At least that's how I conceive a psychiatrist, or a psychologist, someone using theory to work for the people. Not theory for theory.

Although we need theoreticians to streamline practice, it is necessary.

But, on paper, I'm not a fan of theoreticians and practitioners being the same person, due to the aforementioned risk of being swallowed by theory...

[SeekerOfTruth007]

It's genetic and it's a chemical imbalance in the brain, like all psychiatric disorders.

It also doesn't help that people bully other people who have depression symptoms.

i used to struggle with suicidal thoughts every day of my life from childhood through just a few years ago. Abilify helps a LOT better than any other medication I've ever tried, but even it is not perfect. I'm on the maximum dose of Abilify now, and I might request the doctor try something new too. I don't know.

[msc545]

I know this is the usual medical explanation but the problem with it is that nobody has ever been able to find the so-called" chemical imbalance".

[msc545]

I don't think that our understanding of how the brain functions is at all close to complete.

[AngryCarl3]

@msc545 No one knows what is happening in your brain. The only treatment I got for my "chemical imbalance" was "suck it and see."

[msc545]

@AngryCarl3 in regards to depression, nobody knows what's happening in the brain to any extent that is useful. For things like balance and muscle control, we know enough to make it useful.

[AngryCarl3]

Causes of depression are complex but the root cause is lived experiences beginning in childhood.

Treatment involves TLC, cognitive therapy (talking therapy), and risky psychotropic medication.

[msc545]

Since I don't know the exact cause of depression and I do this professionally, how in the world would I be able to be so specific about this?

[TrueConfection]

Gratitude

ex: Thoughts like, “I hate my job. My boss is mean and my coworkers are lazy.”

v/s

”I’m so grateful that I am still able to work and that I have an income.”

[slatyb]

There's a book "An Atlas of Depression" that may have some explanation.

[Tempodip]

I believe from trauma

[msc545]

I see. What is your definition of trauma and why do you think it causes depression?

[Tempodip]

Something that affected the person so negatively they can't get over it. Because they can't get over it and move on so the trauma sinks into their mind and comes out in the form of depression

[Anonymous]

had it hypnosis worked well.