Depression can take a toll on the lives of those who have this condition. This mental health issue is characterized by symptoms like persistent feelings of sadness, guilt, a sense of worthlessness, etc. This mental turmoil can result in physical symptoms such as loss of appetite, irregular sleep patterns, etc.
However what most people are not aware of is that depression is not caused by mental trauma and other such mental factors only. Physiological reasons do play a big role in it. So when this mental issue is being treated mental health providers will target the physiological conditions too.
Being aware of the physiological causes might help people with depression be a bit more compassionate towards themselves. First let’s learn about symptoms of depression and the biological reasons that might be causing it, then we can learn how mental health providers deal with those causes.
Do you live in New york? Well no worries you can easily find a mental health counselor in NYC.
Depression: What Are The Symptoms?
There are several symptoms of depression that might help you identify this mental health issue. Here they are –
- Depression can drain individuals out of any energy making them feel tired all the time. No amount of rest seems to take the fatigue away.
- This mental health issue can affect your sleep patterns. So you end up either developing hypersomnia( excessive sleeping), or insomnia( lack of sleep).
- Depression brings a change in your appetite. So you end up eating a bit too much or too less.
- This mental health issue in the course of time can bring along unexplained body pain and ache. You might struggle to understand the reason behind it.
- In depression individuals lose their interest in hobbies and activities that they used to enjoy before.
- Depression can hamper your cognitive capabilities, making it tough for you to focus on anything.
- The symptoms of this mental health issue can make you irritable, socially isolated reinforcing the feeling of loneliness.
- Mental health problems can develop a negative mindset. Some even turn to self-harm and substance abuse for relief.
Well there are various biological reasons and brain function issues that might be causing these symptoms. Come let’s learn about them. If you reside in New York and are looking for a psychotherapist in New York you can easily find one. They will help you heal.
Physiological reasons behind depression and its symptoms
The physiological reasons for depression might vary from one person to another. Some might have multiple physiological causes, others might have only one ro two. No matter what, have faith that you can heal and live a better life.
Neurotransmitters and Depression
Depression often involves a delicate interplay of neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers within the brain that are responsible for our mood regulation. Imbalance in neurotransmitter levels such as dopamine, serotonin, etc, might lead to depression.
The disbalance in serotonin can mess with your appetite, sleep patterns and mood. Dopamine brings motivation and pleasure. Lack of dopamine can take away your sense and emotional well-being.
Dysregulation in these hormones can disrupt the communication between your nerve cells possibly leading to depression.
Understanding these chemical causes are truly very important. Compassionate care and a holistic approach is necessary to deal with these symptoms.
Neurotransmitters and Depression
The human brain is made of complex structures and they do play a big role in maintaining your mood. Some key parts of the brain such as amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, etc play an important role in mental health. Amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, can show heightened activity during excessive emotional stress in depression. Hippocampus in depression can cause cognitive dysfunctions such as memory loss, concentration issues,etc.
The structural and functional changes which might be caused due to a variety of reasons such as trauma, anxiety, etc. Understanding them might help individuals suffering from depression get some clarity to free themselves from guilt.
Genetics and Depression
Genetics might play a vital role in depression making you more susceptible to this mental health issue. Specific genes related to neurotransmitter regulation, like serotonin and dopamine can put you at higher risk of developing this condition. Learning about your genetic markers will help mental health providers tailor the treatment approach according to your needs.
In general visiting a mental health facility is the last resort one might take to heal from the serious effects of depression. Only when the different forms of therapy and treatment fail to work making the person a threat to themselves they are sent to a mental health facility.
These facilities can help clients with severe depression become more stable and calm. Mental health facilities in New York aim to help people with extreme symptoms of depression among other mental health disorders.
Treatment methods used by mental health providers
for treatment
Mental health providers use a variety of therapy techniques to address the physiological causes of depression. Here are some of the methods used by mental health providers-
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
CBT is a valuable tool used by mental health providers to address the psychological causes for depression. Through this evidence-based approach your mental health provider will modify your negative thought patterns and behaviors causing you distress. The open compassionate dialogue and collaborative efforts will bring along positive changes in your neurotransmitter activity and brain function.
2. Integrated Psychosocial Therapy
IPT is a therapeutic approach that aims to address physiological causes of depression by combining psychological and social interventions. Through this therapy the mental health provider will try to identify the live vents which might have contributed to your depression issues. By using targeted-discussions and skill building exercises you will learn to improve your interpersonal relationships in IPT. This integrative method recognizes the interconnection of biological and environmental factors to provide through healing.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT addresses the physiological causes of depression with understanding and empathy. Through ACT the mental health provider will encourage you to accept your emotions and struggles without any judgment. The positive behavioral changes made by this therapy will help you challenge the physiological causes of de[pression by building emotional resilience. Over time your neurotransmitter issues and brain function will improve themselves to help you live a healthy happy life.
Only in severe cases, when it is indeed necessary, mental health providers might prescribe medications to their patients to help heal the physiological causes of depression. Are you somebody trying to stay afloat in the fast-paced life of New York, well don’t worry you will certainly get quality mental health counseling in NYC.
So now that you know what biological factors might be contributing to your depression symptoms, try to love yourself more. With professional help you will soon get to enjoy life like before.
FAQS about physiological causes of depression and treatment
Do physiological factors contribute to depression ?
Physiological factors such as neurotransmitter disbalance, issues in brain function and genetics along with traumatic life events, environmental factors can lead to depression in some individuals. However, with proper help it is possible to efficiently deal with all the causes and symptoms.
Should individuals with depression learn about their own biological cause of depression?
If individuals with depression are aware of what biological causes might be causing their condition, then they can get rid of some of the guilt, stigma and shame they might be feeling due to this serious mental health issue.
What are the different types of treatment methods used by mental health providers to treat depression and its physiological causes?
Mental health professionals use different therapy methods such as ACT, IPT, etc to treat the mental and physiological causes of depression. In some cases, medications are prescribed by the professionals.
Wrapping things up!
So are you ready to embark on your holistic journey to healing? Caring about yourself and your mental health ensures a happy life. So if you’re suffering from depression, speak up, share your journey, learn about the biological and scientific causes of your condition. Free yourself from the stigma and seek for the professional help you truly need.
If you’re looking for a compassionate psychotherapist in new york you can contact psychotherapist Gita Sawhney at her practice GS Mental Health & Wellness in Manhattan New York.