What causes depression???

When I was going through a bout of depression I was told it was because of a chemical imbalance in the brain. I wish it was as easy as thinking that you are a winner only if you believe so, if it was then we could fix this alot quicker, I suffered for 5 years after being attacked and yes I am positive now but back then it was really hard.

I will tell you with my experiences what causes depression. May be the medical people call it a chemical imbalance in the brain. But whatever it is, it is a situation almost all people come across in their lives at some time or other. In India this situation arises in the student level only. The education system is such that there are competitive exams on the national level for entering into universities.Such exams are given by around 40-50 million children all over the country.Out of these only 4000 students will be selected every year. For the selection again there are reservations based on caste,disabled,army people,govt officials and many other upto 50%. In spite of that children study for these exams.To face such competition they are made to study very hard since they enter yr6. This will continue for 7 years. Let me tell you the studying means no sports, no recreation, no tv shows nothing. If the child watches a movie for 3 hours in his week end he is supposed to compensate it with 3 hours out of his regular 6 hrs sleep. In such circumstances if he sincerely prepares and still doesn't get a seat in any university DEFINITELY HE WILL BE DEPRESSED. This is not the case of one student many student come across this situation. Not only the students but also their mothers and fathers who have great expectations on the child because they have seen him struggling hard. Any strong brain will be affected by such conditions. Then it becomes so difficult to take them out of that depressed situation. SO WITH MY EXPERIENCES IT IS NOT ANY CHEMICAL IMBALANCE WHICH CAUSES DEPRESSION IN THE PERSON BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE LIVES.

I have been told by my Doctors that my depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in my brain. If i could just think good thoughts most of the time i would. Real depression is not something one can just snap out of, as i have found out and tried for many years. I do count my blessings and live a better life since treatment, but i am aware of what i can't control. Take care Ilunice.

It is a good question...but one with no easy answers. In my work as a life coach and group leader a lot of people share their problems with depression. For some there are chemical imbalances in the brain..and that is something that needs to be addressed with their doctors. For others they can suffer during long winter months with seasonal affective disorder (SADS) because the lack of light affects nerotransmitters in the brain. There are lights that can assist with that. Information available on-line...keyword depression, SADS etc. Then there are those who are depressed because of events in life that overwhelm them with feelings of hopelessness/helplessness, anger, loss etc. Depression is a challenge for anyone who faces it and in my view the best way is to take whole-person...combining therapy if and when it is needed, exercise, fresh air, journalling, seeking support systems, family, friends...volunteer work...vitamins, healthy eating, meditation, prayer, affirmations, guided imagery. Depression is an outer symptom of internal challenges on some level. The key is to peel back the layers and find a safe emotional place to discover where the hurt and sadness originates. In my work I hav seen countless individuals face depression and turn their shadows into light...but it is a process of healing and it can take time...but those who truly want to mend and heal ususally find a way to do it. All change begins with awareness.