A risk factor is something that makes the probability of something happening more likely. It doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen—simply that it could. The more risk factors you have, the increased risk you run of developing a condition or disease.
Depression can be triggered by various means, physical, psychological or environmental and every person is different.
If depression or mental illness runs in your family, then you may be predisposed to developing depression yourself. A child with parents who suffer from depression is more likely to develop depression, especially as a teenager when triggers for depression are more common.
People who suffer from chronic pain or debilitating physical conditions are at a higher risk for developing depression than those in good health. Constant unrelenting pain and the prescription drugs that are used to treat these conditions can trigger major depressive episodes.
Physical changes in your body can also result in change in mental health. Patients who have suffered stroke, HIV/AIDS, heart attacks, cancer, Parkinson’s disease or other major physical changes are at risk for developing depression.
Another contributing factor for depression is experiencing a major life change. Moving, selling or buying a house, job loss or gain, divorce or new marriage. Stressful situations at work, the loss of a spouse, loved one or beloved pet are all difficult situations.
If you’ve already had a major bout of depression then your risk of a reoccurrence is greatly increased.
People who have little or no social contact or support often become depressed. Young mothers at home with small children sometimes feel isolated and say that they feel down. Getting together with other mothers for play groups can relieve their feelings of aloneness and help with their depression. Certain psychological factors, like low self-esteem and a pessimistic view of the world can make a person more prone towards developing depression than those with high self-esteem and an optimistic view of things.
Low socio-economic status can also put you at a higher risk for developing depression, but the reasons vary. Whether it’s due to financial stress, perceived lower social status, cultural issues or simply every day stress, depression is more common in this group.
Women are more likely to suffer from depression than their male counterparts—however whether that’s due to the fact that most men do not seek help or even admit that they are having problems or because women experience depression more than men—is not entirely clear.
Being over the age of 65 increases your chances of depression, due to failing health, feelings of isolation, loss of mobility, chronic pain or bereavement and the elderly are less likely to admit to needing help for this issue.
If you’re having problems sleeping and your insomnia becomes chronic you are at a very high risk for developing major depression. Restful sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health and if you’re not able to sleep you should seek help so the problem does not worsen.
There are many risk factors for depression, but thankfully this mental health issue is treatable and your doctor can help you decide if medication or counseling is in your best interests.
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Sunday, August 31, 2008
Risk Factors for Depression
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Depression in Women
Your sex is a factor in determining whether or not you’re more at risk of developing depression.
Women are twice as likely as their male counterparts to suffer from this form of mental illness, whether it’s because they actually do or because men feel uncomfortable asking for help and saying they feel vulnerable is something that the medical profession is still attempting to determine.
The reason that women’s rate of depression may be twice as high as men’s is due in part to hormonal issues. Women experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to varying degrees and those who suffer severe mood swings, painful ovulation, bloating, water weight gain, and agonizing menses are at a higher risk of becoming depressed than women who do not have PMS. Men, of course, do not suffer from these issues.
After a woman gives birth, her hormones are all out of whack. It’s common for some women to experience baby blues after becoming a new mother, but some women fall into a deep and increasingly dark mood from which they cannot escape. This is called post-partum depression and can occur anytime from immediately after giving birth to six months into motherhood. A woman experiencing post-partum depression may not want to hold her child or feel as though she has bonded with her infant in any way. She feels guilty about this lack of emotion on her part, which only leads her further down into despair. A woman who is having these feelings should seek immediate medical help.
Another risk factor for women is miscarriage. Although irrational, a woman may feel to blame somehow for the loss of her baby and thus her risk for emotional disorders is greatly increased. Young mothers who stay at home with small children often claim they feel isolated and alone. This loss of a social network or perceived social status can also contribute to depressive episodes.
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Depression in Men
Men are not like women. Yes, I know that this is stunning news. Alert the media! It’s true though; men are different from women in more ways than one would normally think. Due to their differences they are more vulnerable to some serious side effects of depression.
‘Vulnerable’ isn’t a word that’s often associated with males and that’s part of the problem. Men, as a rule, do not talk about their feelings. They don’t like to be thought of as vulnerable, weak, in need of help, or fragile. A man is much less likely to confide in a friend, a co-worker, spouse or medical professional that they are feeling depressed.
Depression affects men as well as women, yet the medical profession sees much fewer men than women because men do not seek help for this condition as much as their female counterparts do.
Men feel the need to be powerful, in control, competitive and often neglect their mental health in the process of being ‘manly’. Men have traditionally had the role of being tough and self-reliant, and sometimes the women in their lives hold that same view of the male role. A man wanting to talk about his feelings of vulnerability and fragility can be taken as a sign of weakness to some women and this can result in the loss of a relationship.
Because men are not inclined to believe they need help and think that it’s a sign of virility that they can handle whatever life throws their way—they are not often aware of the symptoms of depression. Instead of seeking help, men may try to compensate for their feelings of depression by increasing alcohol consumption or using drugs to mask their pain. This can result in risky behavior.
Some will spend more time at work and less time at home, leading to problems in relationships. If you’re suffering from depression you may be underperforming at work, feel less likely to talk than usual, you feel irritable, feel achy and you are worrying more and more about things in your life.
Physical problems, such as erectile dysfunction can result in depression in men. Occasionally depression can cause sexual problems, but the good news is that there are many treatments available to help with both.
Men should know that depression can affect them as well as women and need to know the signs:
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it’s ok to talk to your doctor. You’re not superman. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak.
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