Depression and anxiety are one of the most common mental disorders nowadays. The number of people suffering from a mental condition they can’t logically describe rises by the day.
And despite the fact that they are considered as illnesses which can be treated, there are still cases in which the victim isn’t 100% aware of all the relevant factors that might have caused the disorder in the first place. It is not an illness whose origin cannot be easily deciphered.
The statistics of most of the cases have shown that there is more than one cause for developing anxiety and depression. It is usually a “mix” of different factors (genes, past trauma, current circumstances etc.), that when brought together leave a devastating consequence on a person’s life.
Being able to completely understand one’s struggle with chronic depression or anxiety is the most important thing we can do in the process of helping them.
So, despite experiencing a traumatic event such as the death of a close person or surviving war, there are certain lifestyles which can also be a relevant trigger for depression as well as anxiety. The severity of the condition depends on the “mix” that was mentioned earlier.
Here are 7 most common lifestyle causes of depression and anxiety:
1.OVERWORKING
Hard-working to the point of extreme exhaustion triggers serious stress reactions in our body. Nowadays more and more people seem to suffer from an excessive stress caused by overworking.
However, to prevent it from happening it is important to know that when the brain is exposed to an extreme stress, the body prepares for a fight-back by producing larger amounts of the stress hormone, known as cortisol.
Thereby higher cortisol levels increase the risk for depression, various mental illnesses as well as lower life expectancy.
2.SUBSTANCE ABUSE
As one of the most common vices of today’s society, substance abuse is also considered a possible cause of depression and anxiety disorder.
Consuming drugs and alcohol substances can easily alter the brain’s neurochemistry by distorting the usual communication between the neurotransmitters.
And having in mind that the neurotransmitters are the chemical with which the brain and body communicate, they control every physical as well as physiological experience.
The people who are easily engaged in alcohol and drug use are prone to developing a mental illness.
3.GRIEF AND POST-WAR TRAUMA
Although the feeling of grief after the death of a loved one can help us somehow cope with the unfortunate event, prolonged grief can be one of the many causes of a chronic mental illness.
Another important trigger for depression and anxiety disorder is PTSD(Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) which can be detected in the psyche of the military members.
Witnessing a massive bloodshed and the devastating horrors that wars bear can start a biological reaction that will soon evolve into a full-blown anxiety or a severe depression.
4.DIFFERENT HEALTH CONDITIONS
Individuals that are diagnosed with critical, untreatable health conditions are at a greater risk of developing a depression.
Health issues and terminable illnesses such as Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer or any kind of cardiovascular disease can result in producing the feeling of hopelessness, panic, and fear.
The prolonged exposure to these feelings will make it easier for anxiety and depression to manifest.
5.STRESSFUL AND SUDDEN CHANGES
As humans, we can never be comfortably subjected to changes without feeling thrown off balance for a certain time.
Experiences that happen instantly and have the power to change our perspective in a blink of an eye, can lead us to some serious mental issues.
Sudden unexpected events in a person’s life will be the main trigger to induce chronic stress and as a result, increased levels of cortisol in the body.
6.REJECTION OR ISOLATION
As human beings and social creatures, it is in our nature to exist by socially interacting with other people in order to function properly.
Therefore, unexpected or expected separation from other human beings, as well as the rejection of others, is a serious problem which can affect our cognitive functions.
In a nutshell, rejection and isolation from social interactions with people dear to us can lead to a neurochemical imbalance which will later most likely manifest into depression.
7.LOW SELF-ESTEEM
Depression can be also the consequence of one’s poor self-image. Sudden devastating changes in our life can weigh us down and crush us in a heartbeat to the point where we are unable to accept the new reality. In this terrible moments, a person is bound to lose their self-confidence.
A frequent negative image of ourselves can harm us by leading us to obsessive thought patterns whether it is for money or appearance or reputation. The more the brain neurochemistry is distorted, the more depressive and disturbed thoughts it will produce.
Going through life experiencing some of this difficult conditions can be quite the nightmare. That is why it is of great value to show these people that they are not alone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
If you recognize someone in this article, share it with them and show them your support.
A professional writer with many years of experience in the fields of psychology, human relationships, science, and spirituality. If you have a general question or comment please fill out the form and we will get back to you as soon as possible https://curiousmindmagazine.com/contact-us/
