Depression is widely recognised as a very common example of a mental health condition and is becoming increasingly more prevalent in today's society, particularly with the current financial crisis and resulting rise in unemployment.
While many conditions may have a clear specific cause this is not usually the case in depression as very often one may have a variety of different underlying factors which result in depression only when triggered or set off by a stressor. Four physical health conditions identified by Lockley (2005) as possible causes of depression include:
- Undiagnosed chronic illness
- Addictions
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Food sensitivities
Undiagnosed Chronic Illness and Depression
There are many different chronic health conditions which may result in a patient experiencing bouts of depression including the following: hepatitis, diabetes, kidney problems and liver disease. As undiagnosed forms of illness may be the cause of an individual's depression it is important to make an appointment for a check-up with one's family doctor to rule out other conditions.
A doctor will typically refer the patient for a blood test as a simple means of checking for any other underlying forms of illness. If the patient is cleared of any signs of chronic illness then the diagnosis of depression is often made.
Addiction and Depression
A whole range of different forms of addiction will be likely to result in a person suffering from depression particularly in cases where the addiction has had severe impacts upon one's life.
For example chronic alcoholism may eventually cause the alcoholic to lose their driving license, employment, marriage, access to children and even result in homelessness. Any of the above issues may very easily result in one experiencing depression.
Premenstrual Syndrome and Depression
As most women can attest to, one's hormones play a huge part in terms of moods, emotions and feelings, particularly immediately prior to the monthly period and is often also worse towards the end of each cycle. As recognised by Lockley (2005) treatment required to help sufferers of premenstrual syndrome is different to approaches used in the treatment of major depression.
Factors such as increased stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and limited support will also play a part and it is important for partners to realise that this is a recognised, treatable condition.
Depression and Food Sensitivities
While there are so many crazy, unhealthy diets widely used in a desperate attempt to lose weight, such diets are rarely the cause of depression. However, some people react to foods quite differently to the average person and those prone to binge-eating may decide to cut out certain foods such as white bread and drinks high in sugar.
There are various tests that a doctor or nutritionist may carry out in order to work out whether food sensitivities may be the underlying factor in a person's depression.
Clearly, depression may at times have a physical cause at the root of the problem. Therefore it is worth seeing one's GP for a check-up just to rule out any of the above conditions.
Source:
Lockley, J. (2005) A Practical Workbook For The Depressed Christian Milton Keynes: Authentic.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
Join the Conversation