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What Causes Severe Depression?

Major depression is the most severe depression. When someone has severe depression they will have more symptoms than someone who has a mild or moderate case of depression. Severe depression can be triggered by a single life event, or it can develop very slowly.

Many people who have severe depression cannot point to a trauma that would have brought on their severe depression. Other people may have battled bouts of minor depression throughout their entire lives life and when a traumatic event arises it plunges them into severe depression. It is important to note that severe depression can be a one time event, or it can come and go through a person’s life. People who suffer from severe depression usually respond the best when they take anti depression medication and undergo therapy.

No one knows for sure what causes severe mental depression. However, here is a list of possible things that can trigger it:

• Changes in the seasons
• The death or loss of a loved one
• Loss of employment
• Moving
• Childbirth
• Family Crisis or Conflicts
• Physical Illness
• Marital Problems/Divorce
• Drug and Alcohol Abuse
• Medications
• Poverty
• Being the victim of a crime
• Traumatic Life Event

The signs and symptoms of major depression include the following:

• Persistent sadness
• Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed
• Loss of appetite
• Sleep problems
• Unable to concentrate
• Aches
• Pains
• Memory problems
• Helplessness
• Hopelessness
• Fatigue
• Tearful
• Irritability
• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Guilt
• Indecisiveness
• Suicidal thoughts

Severe depression can strike anyone of any age at any time. It is more common in people who are between 25 and 44. Major depression can last for months or linger on and off throughout a person’s lifetime.

Studies show that women are more likely to suffer from severe depression than men. This could be due in part to the many hormonal changes that women experience in their lives. Reports also tell us that men who are suffering from depression are less likely to get help for it. Men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women who are depressed. This could be due in part to a man’s attempt to mask their condition because they think it is a sign of weakness. Depression is also common in the elderly. Physical illness and the death of loved ones can trigger major depression in the elderly.

Mental depression is a common psychological problem. It is said that mental depression will affect most every individual – either by people experiencing mental depression themselves or having a friend or family member who is suffering from mental depression. Many people are surprised to learn that over 17 million people in the United States alone are diagnosed with mental depression each year. This is a staggering figure.

Mental depression affects people on every level. It can interfere with a person’s normal day to day activities, their career, social interactions and family life. It can cause a tremendous amount of pain and suffering and it can even lead to suicide. It is important that someone who is suffering from mental depression find the help they need as soon as possible. No one should ever feel that depression is a part of life. There are medications and therapy options for people to help them manage and overcome their mental depression.