Why does depression come on suddenly?
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M$14 Answers
For instance, cyclic major depression--which is marked by periods of wellness punctuated by sudden depressive episodes--is so common among writers as a group that some researchers have theorized that it might be tied to creativity in some way, and yet after a gazillion studies they still don't know WHY it hits so unpredictably or why it hits some people so hard and others not at all. Dick Cavett struggles with cyclic major depression and has written personally and extensively about it. The famous author William Styron referred to the illness as 'the black dog'--as in, 'the black dog is back'--meaning his depression had returned. I am posting a link here to a collection of essays by writers who struggle with depression that's really excellent. It's called "Unholy Ghost."
We do know that depressed people have very low levels of serotonin and abnormal levels of norephinephrine in their blood streams. Serotonin is a hormone associated with positive mood. Norephinephrine regulates how quickly neurons fire and transmit information in the brain. When depression comes on suddenly, these two chemicals drop suddenly as well. Nobody knows why that happens. In fact, science doesn't even know how depression meds that adjust these levels work, and many do stop working once you've been on them awhile. Many depressed patients have to be constantly changing up their meds. Still, if you have to have a mental illness, depression is the most treatable one you could possibly have.
I was diagnosed with cyclic major depression seven years ago. My mother had it, her mother had it, and both of my sisters have it. I'll be fine for months and then, bang. It's back. I took antidepressants for four years and they did help me, but they also spiked my blood pressure and got more and more expensive until I could not afford them even with insurance picking up much of the tab. So I tapered off of them on my own and now I take OTC St. John's Wort (it costs about $12 for a large bottle and has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medications for mild to moderate depression) and melatonin ( an OTC hormone supplement that helps to regulate sleep patterns). It's going OK, but if I needed to I'd go back on meds in a heartbeat.
Once I start asking questions like the one you posed here, it's a pretty good sign (for me at least) that my depression is back. Depressed people tend to get very introspective and start to isolate, thinking that they can figure this thing out and fix it. It feels like if you can just find the cause then you can find the cure, but that isn't even rational. For instance, you might be able to find what caused a case of cancer, but you'd still have cancer afterward and you'd still have to treat it and deal with it. If you have depression, it's a lot like having diabetes--you can't fix it by figuring it out, but you can learn to recognize the symptoms and respond to them in helpful ways.
Here's what helps me:
1) Don't isolate. You will WANT to isolate. It will be your strongest impulse. Do the opposite of what you want. Make a therapy appointment, go to a support group, go out walking, call a friend, get out and see a movie, walk your dog, anything to get you out of yourself and around other people. Isolation is makes depression worse and increases the likelihood that you will harm yourself one day.
2) Exercise. You won't want to do this either but make yourself do it at the first sign of depressed feelings. Then exercise daily before you feel down. Walking is easy and anyone can do it. Half an hour of brisk walking per day has been shown to reduce mild to moderate depression as well as antidepressant meds.
3) Avoid sweet and starchy foods and eat protein and fresh produce instead. Sweet foods temporarily relieve depression because they boost serotonin levels. The problem is, they also make your blood sugar crash in about two hours so that you feel even worse than before you ate them.
4) Make a doctor's appointment if your depression doesn't lift in three days. Depression is a serious illness that increases your risk of heart attack, stroke, cancer, and suicide. Again, most depressed people don't want to do this because of the stigma attached to the disease--plus, the depression itself makes you want to keep it a secret--but that's not a good idea.
5) Ignore people who tell you just snap out of it. They are ignorant in a literal sense--they literally are ignoring mounds of research and medical facts. They can only hurt you and make you feel worse.
Depression is a pain in the rump but you are in good company. Tons of good people have this disease. Some of the best writers on earth struggle or have struggled with horrible depression. It doesn't mean you are weak or self-indulgent, it just is what it is. Depression can't always be cured but you can learn to manage it.
Good luck!
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/smiling-through/?scp=1-b&am...
http://www.amazon.com/Unholy-Ghost-Depression-Nell-Casey/dp/0060007826
http://depressiongrief.suite101.com/article.cfm/facts-about-ssri-discontinu...
http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/womenshealth/factsheets/dep.htm
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml
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M$
You can be having a good day or a good week and all of a sudden you feel like you're back at square one sitting in the dark all alone.
For every sufferer there are triggers or stressors that can set you off again. If you've been through counselling you might have identified those triggers or you've helped indentify them yourself. Once you understand what has set you off you can go a ways to getting better again. It's important to understand yourself, to know what has been most upsetting.
If you are female you might be 'lucky' and know that your natural cycle is something to take into account. "lucky" because its a way of tracking your moods and then you know if and when it might hit you. If you have depression from other causes ( for example work stress ) then you understand that those causes are going to be around you and might trigger a reaction.
Don't be surprised if you get depressed quickly when faced with those triggers. That's a self preservation mechanism, its trying to protect you from harm, or what your head considers harmful - it can be a silly little thing, it can be a serious thing, its irrelevant. What matters is that you recognise what's happening and get back into your routine quickly as well. For example, if I feel depressed or feel like I'm not 100% mentally healthy I garden and I'm active outside. I might walk up to do the shopping instead of drive, I'll sweep the path outside my house, I'll sit in the sun and weed the garden, anything to get outside in the sunlight and active.
Once you get your mind back into gear don't beat yourself up about having a bad day ( that's not helping :) Be positive that you know yourself and are working towards a remedy.
I've linked the best website I know about Depression, its the beyondblue site listed first below. It has everything you need to understand and work through every day, be they good days or bad days ....
Be well, get on with the little things and the big stuff will sort itself out...
and have a laugh ...a pic to help you on your way :)
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M$
I love that picture too, kty2777. :)
One of the things about depression that is the most puzzling to non-sufferers is what the monkey is experiencing: The lack of interest or enthusiasm even for fun or "easy" activities that the person would normally enjoy, and need very little persuasion to get involved in.
Many people find this the most frustrating and self-perpetuating thing about depressed feelings - that difficulty in doing anything, procrastination, and lack of motivation. Cognitive therapy (mentioned below) has some great techniques for attacking that side of things, too.
I LOVE that picture!! Thank you!
I would add to that as well that sometimes medications, even over the counter allergy remedies and pain relievers, can also contribute to depression. Even some of the foods that we eat or substances such as caffeine and alcohol can have a profound impact for someone that is susceptible to depression. Sugar is a big trigger here. Depression can also be brought on suddenly when you have too little or too much sleep.
Experience
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M$
I really hope this is a rhetorical question and that you are not suffering. :0(
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M$It is a proven illness and when it rears it's ugly head it can be just heart breaking!
Depression and the different types of depression all work about the same. A certain thing can trigger it.
But mostly what trigger's it is lack of money. You can say it's something someone did or said, but when it comes right down to it, if you had money, a means of doing something, the depression wouldn't be so bad or so strong.
I find a good way, even when broke, to get over depression (being bipolar, I know this trick) is to look at a pretty color, a bright color, like yellow. Have it in various parts of your home. It's a mood lifter.
Also, music, certain types of music calm depression. Certain kinds of music can make you feel lighter. My favorite is anything by Elton John.
And last but not least, prayer helps so much! Leave your troubles, your depression in the hands of God and he will fix them, it.
I am bipolar and have manic depression episodes. I am going by personal experience.
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M$
The money thing is interesting... can you elaborate on that a bit more?
Let me rephrase some of what I said and try to put to rest some of the psychotherapy if I might.
Money is and always will be the root of all evil. But it's evil because it can cause so much pain or so much happiness. Pain if you don't have it, happiness if you do.
It can save lives or it can take them. It's simple as that. I didn't say though that money will keep people from killing themselves if their depressed enough. What I said was that it helps me in general with my depression.
Money, color's, music, activities...they are all mood lifter's.
let's say for instance that a mother could have some kind of surgery to save her from a deadly disease. As much as she needs and wants the surgery she can't have it. She is thrown in to a deep depression and in the end, kills herself. Why couldn't she have the surgery and why did she kill herself? The answer is the same twice. Money.
If a person has money, it makes a big difference on how depression affects that person.
For instance, with money, you can be depressed, but can get your mind off of it, by shopping.
If you're broke and depressed, the only thing you can seem to do is dwell on it which makes it worse.
When I'm depressed and with money, I go window shopping....or I buy certain things we need without worrying about the cost, the freedom of spending makes me feel better.
When I'm broke and depressed, I am very depressed!
I'm stuck, dwelling on everything and feel lost.
But now, there is another trick I use come to think of it.
When depression hits me, I try at times to work it off. I clean, do things I've been wanting to do that keep my mind occupied. I do a'lot of Feng Shui...lol
It works when the money runs out.
That's an interesting take. So, for you, having no money doesn't set off the depression, but makes it worse. Am I getting that right? You have to admit though, that this doesn't necessarily apply for everyone. In your answer, you implied that having money will help depression in general. I understand that this is your experience, but do you really believe that this is the case for everyone with depression?
It's true, that with money, you can buy things to defer your feelings of sadness and isolation, but isn't that just a temporary fix? You also state that doing other things like cleaning, taking walks, etc. Wouldn't this be a better alternative to running through money?
I'm just curious about this! I've never heard of depression initiated or augmented by lack of money!
My own personal relationship with God.
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M$
You cannot rise out of sadness and depression by being depressed, you must find something to be happy about, something to take your mind away from the depression. That is a willful decision. Some people will be in a state of deep depression for months or years on end and then miraculously awake, as if from a bad dream. Inspired by some insignificant event or a deep realization of their state, they awaken. But you choose to awaken.
So, to answer your question, depression can also work in the reverse. Rather than decide to awaken, we convince ourselves to live in the tragedy and become depressed from an otherwise happy or acceptable state of mind.
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M$
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M$There are thousands of reasons for this thing, but the depression come on suddenly because of this reason
Explaining you with an example:-
You started a company , Did a lots of hard work, You put all your investments in that, You were sure for it to be successful, but Something wrong happened and company failed.
Now Mental Stress leads to Depression, because , you will get stressed by the fact that your company has failed, by the time your gf also left you and there started spme financial issues, You will be so much stressed that you will came into depression suddenly.
so in simple words ,
Mental stress leads to Sudden depression,
another example is when kids fails in exam , they commit suicides because of very heavy stress leading to Sudden depression
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M$
there may be many reasons for depressions.but first let's us discuss what is Depression , Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.(by WHO)
But why it arises , the main reasons of Depressions are biological, genetic, and environmental .
Genetic Factors
Scientists believe genetic factors play a role in some depressions.if one identical twin suffers from depression or manic-depressive disorder, the other twin has a 70 percent chance of also having the illness
Biological Causes
Additional research data indicate that people suffering from depression have imbalances of neurotransmitters, natural substances that allow brain cells to communicate with one another.
Environmental Situations
Certain environmental situations, such as stress or breakup of important attachments, also may precipitate depression, especially in vulnerable persons.
Some tips - always try to be busy in work and never stay alone at home or any where , make friends and think posotive , always have the thinking that all is well.
i am working with a medical company and have some knowledge about products that can help oue health.
http://iflextoday.com/
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M$
This disorder which is referred as cyclothymic disorder is known as a milder cousin of bipolar disorder and like bipolar disorder, cyclothymia has high and low phases. The highs are not as high and the lows are not as low but it can be crippling.
It is also a risk factor for bipolar disease with up to 50% of those with cyclothymia will end up developing the bipolar disorder and major depression is considered a high risk.
The upbeat phase features symptoms like elevated mood, increased self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, an increase in goal-directed activity and excessive involvement in pleasurable activities. These symptoms can last for four days which then alternate with periods of mildly depressive symptoms like sadness, pessimism, fatigue, guilt feeling, trouble concentrating and changes in sleep or appetite.
The person who is diagnosed with this disorder experience an alternate of these two phases for at least two years.
The Amercan Psychiatric Association said that an estimate of 2.2 million U.S. adults have cyclothymia, about half as many as those wth bipolar disorder. Bipolar conditions gained clinical prominence because of the introduction two years ago of Lamictal (lamotrigine) an anticonvulsant drug that is proven effectve in delaying mood swings specifically the depressive ones that are associated with bipolar disorder.
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M$You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$---quote---
Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.
These problems can become chronic or recurrent and lead to substantial impairments in an individual's ability to take care of his or her everyday responsibilities.
--end quote--
--quote--
Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders, depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
Depression can be very serious.
It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
--end quote---
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M$The main thing to do if you are depressed is to keep moving and soon it will go away. It is when you allow the depression to freeze you that you can have a real problem.
Good Luck!!!
Oh, by the way, I don't agree that you can avoid depression by "willing it away." Don't make the mistake of thinking that it isn't a normal part of life, it is. You won't like it but it sounds to me like you are coping fine.
Self-Knowledge
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M$
Thanks! I'm glad it was helpful. I'm checking out that book Johanna mentioned too! :)
EXCELLENT answer.
Since this issue is something that has plenty of reputable information on the topic, backed up by research, I think it's so important that more people who know what they are talking about help others to become more informed. It's a topic where uninformed opinions and ideas can be quite hurtful and in fact dangerous, even though most people are usually only trying to help.
Can't let this topic go.... EVER... without a general rave about David D. Burns M.D. and his body of work, which includes the book '''Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy''', which has been called one of the most significant books to come out of the last part of the 20th century, by the New York Times I think it was, as I recall.
David Burns is a gifted psychotherapist and teacher, cognitive therapy expert, ex-Freudian psychoanalyst, ex-depression sufferer, a very warm, funny, and influential writer, and genuis. (Ok maybe that last part is not "official", but it is official that he's one of the most respected and influential mental-health experts alive today.} Getting an incredible amount of relief and insight from his work is something that no depressed person should miss out on - heck, his work is even amazing for those who aren't suffering a clinical depression, but simply are open to the idea that they may have some thought patterns, chemical factors in the brain, behavior tendencies, or parts of their outlook that, if they could be tweaked, could eliminate some of the ickiness sometimes produced in their mind, body, heart, or life. There! Officially awesome reading for any human being!
'''Feeling Good''' was at some point rated in an independent survey of mental health professionals in the USA as the single most recommended and most helpful book for depressed people. It's a little treasure box of mental magic that has been published, read, loved, recommended, and raved about in many different countries, and has been helping people for about thirty years now. In a clinical study it was found to be at least as helpful for depression as taking an antidepressant drug! Unfortunately, there is so much to know and keep up with in the medical field, that there are plenty of general practitioners who aren't fully aware of cognitive therapy's excellent success with depression, and in fact the popularity and helpfulness of this particular book. This is possibly due to the fact that there's far less money to be made selling an affordable book to a person or a library one time( which the person or library can then lend to many other people), than there is in selling countless therapy sessions, or selling a pill a day to millions of people for the rest of their lives.
(I think the sources and references for all this raving are on the Feeling Good homepage or David Burns psychology wiki, but if not, they're all in the book. )
www.feelinggood.com
http://psychology.wikia.com/wiki/David_D._Burns
Huge props as well, of course, to the pioneers and grandfathers and fathers of cognitive therapy/ cognitive behavioral therapy... Albert Ellis, Aaron T. Beck, et al.... but special love goes out to David Burns, as I guess he would be cognitive therapy's "charismatic, persuasive, fun uncle" who has a special talent for motivating and educating, and getting across those all-important concepts that can change lives and even save lives.... even during those times when things seem hopeless, pointless, and just too hard.
Of course this is a complicated, serious issue and there is no "panacea" or "cure-all", and those suffering should seek the advice of doctors, therapists, etc, and certainly take medication if they feel it can help them or if they are professionally advised to do so. Medications are an important option and an invaluable help to millions. But I can't let this topic go without also bringing attention to other avenues which are absolutely amazing... like, fall-off-your-chair-at-the-results amazing, in many cases - as an additional option to add to the toolbox. Finding out more about what can be at the bottom of depression or each episode or each mood, and understanding all the tools available, can be permanently life-changing. (The book even has a big section to help people understand medications, what is going on biologically when you use them, and how to get the most benefit from them and all your other options. Dr Burns is a qualified psychiatrist as well, so he's also very knowledgeable about the medication side of things too.)
Best of luck to anyone suffering and I hope you find success in treatment and improvement options.