The Depression Rollercoaster

Known to significantly impact the lives of one out of every six people in their lifetime, clinical depression is a health risk that is not to be ignored.

Unfortunately within the health community, medical professionals still remain uncertain as to the exact cause of depression as well as what causes it to settle in the life of one person and not the other. What causes the initial onset and what makes one person more susceptible than another? These are questions that remain unanswered at this time.

There does seem to be a hereditary disposition to depression and it is often found frequently throughout the generations of a particular family.

But there is also a loud voice within the research field that says that depression is all environmental and the appearance that depression is familial, that it is simply a farce and it actually related to the fact that the generations were raised in a depressive environment. Children watch how family members cope with stress and if they note depression being a natural response then they will have a higher tendency to react the same way.

While it is true that depression does tend to run in families, it is also seen in those who have no family history of depression. Often depression results due to issues such as illegal drugs or excessive amounts of alcohol, stress, trauma or even prescription medications. These factors have nothing to do with family genetics.

Depression is seen to run in cycles and can leave you completely and totally exhausted. You may wake up today feeling just fine and then tomorrow find yourself unable to get out of the bed. The dramatic range of emotions and the often completely debilitating affects of depression are startling.

Many healthcare providers agree with the notion that those battling depression demonstrate a chemical imbalance of Norepinephrine and Serotonin. These chemicals are the "feel good" neurotransmitters found in the central nervous system and in the brain. These neurotransmitters work to help us control feelings of happiness and well being.

Norepinephrine is thought to be a stress hormone; while Serotonin is thought to control hunger, overall moods, sleep and sexual feelings. Depression can occur when these neurotransmitters become unbalanced. As the levels of these "feel good" chemical rise and fall, then your feelings also go up and down, leaving many feeling terribly depressed.

However, the interesting notion is that some people do not seem to be a highly affected by the changes in chemical levels as do others.

So it takes us back to the question of is depression because of the environment or because of genetics. Do you have a real choice in the matter of a diagnosis of depression or do your family genes lead you down that path? This is definitely a question that still remains unanswered.

Researchers need more time to determine the true underlying cause of depression and to answer the question as to whether depression is genetic or if it is environmental.

If you have seen a family history of depression, at the very least it should put you on the alert and you should be more aware that you too may have that tendency. If you note yourself feeling more sad or blue than usual, then seek help before your depression gains too deep a toehold.

There are many options for the treatment of depression and so there is no need for you to suffer alone.