There are a lot of causes of depression which is a mental illness and the most common mental disorder in Nigeria, affecting over 15 million adults each year. Depression is also one of the most misunderstood mental illnesses, often being confused with sadness or grief. However, depression goes beyond feeling sad; it can interfere with your ability to function normally on a daily basis and make you feel hopeless about life and its future prospects.
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Causes of Depression:
Depression can be caused by chemical, environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors. The following are some of the more common causes of depression:
- A chemical imbalance in your brain (a neurotransmitter called serotonin is not produced enough)
- Environmental factors (being bullied at school or having a traumatic experience)
- Genetic factors (if you have family members with depression, then it’s more likely for you to get it yourself)
- Hormonal changes in your body during puberty or pregnancy or after giving birth or during menopause; these hormones control your moods.
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How to prevent depression:
Depression is serious and it can be debilitating, but it is also very treatable. When you’re feeling depressed, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better.
The best way to prevent depression is by focusing on maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes good nutrition, regular exercise, and plenty of restorative sleep—all things that will help keep your body healthy overall. These are all important factors in preventing depression from developing or getting worse when it does occur.
If you believe that you may be suffering from an episode of depression, seek professional help as soon as possible—the earlier treatment begins the sooner recovery will follow.
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Remedies for depression:
- Meditation. Meditation is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, which can both contribute to depression symptoms.
- Regular exercise. Regular physical activity can help lift your mood, as well as improve your overall health by reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and increasing energy levels.
- Diet changes. Food may influence how you feel emotionally—some foods are known to improve mood, while others may make it worse (such as processed sugars). Talk with your doctor about any dietary changes that might be needed if you notice a link between what you eat and how depressed or anxious you feel during the day.
- Sleep hygiene tips include getting enough total sleep time each night (around seven hours for most adults), avoiding naps during the day if possible (naps can interfere with nighttime rest), and not using electronic devices immediately before bedtime (electronic screens emit bright blue light that mimics sunlight and suppresses melatonin production), limiting alcohol intake one hour before bedtime (alcohol has a sedative effect) and sticking to a regular sleep schedule even on weekends or holidays.
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Depression can be tackled with regular meditation and exercise. Meditation and exercise are great for your mind and body.
Meditation can help you relax, focus, and feel more relaxed. Many people find meditation helpful because it helps them to be less anxious.
Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel good, which may help reduce depressive symptoms. It can also help you sleep better and deal with stress more effectively.
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Conclusion On Causes Of Depression
Depression is a serious condition that must be treated with a combination of remedies. In some cases, it may even require medication. However, if left untreated or improperly treated, depression can lead to suicide or other forms of self-harm. If you think you may be suffering from depression, please seek professional help immediately!
