Depression is a very complex disorder, so it is difficult to pin down the exact cause of depression. However, a variety of factors contribute to developing clinical depression.

Victim of Past Abuse

If you have been a victim of abuse in the past, you are more likely to develop depression at a later point. This can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.

Taking Certain Medications

Certain medications make you susceptible to depression. This includes some acne medications, antiviral medications, and corticosteroids.

Family History

If one or more members of your family have been diagnosed with clinical depression, it is more likely that you will struggle with depression in the future.

A Serious Trauma

A serious trauma can increase the chances of depression. This can include the death of a loved one, a major disaster, or developing a serious ailment or injury.

Abusing Drugs or Alcohol

Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to depression, with nearly 30% of individuals with drug or alcohol issues also being diagnosed with depression.

Life Changes

A drastic life change, such as moving, graduating, getting married, or starting a new job can lead to depression.

Depression can be felt or observed in many different ways, as the disorder affects each individual differently. While each case is unique, here are a few of the most common signs and symptoms of depression.

• Feelings of intense sadness
• Feeling empty inside
• Feeling worthless and hopeless
• Anxiety
• You are less interested in things and activities you used to enjoy
• Feeling lethargic, tired, and lacking energy
• Either oversleeping or unable to sleep
• Difficulty concentrating
• Either eat way more or less
• You experience headaches, cramps, and digestive issues.

There are several different types of depression, each with a different set of symptoms and treatment methods.

Major Depression

Also referred to as major depressive disorder, this is when you feel depressed a majority of the time. Symptoms include a lack of energy, weight and sleep pattern changes, and thoughts of suicide.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

If you experience the symptoms of depression for over 2 years, it is diagnosed as persistent depressive disorder. This disorder is a combination of two other disorder: dysthymia and chronic major depression.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is sometimes characterized as a type of depression, as the manic highs are countered by depressive lows.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that occurs during the winter months when a lack of sunlight and short days can cause symptoms of major depression.

Psychotic Depression

Psychotic depression is when symptoms of depression are intermixed with psychotic symptoms, including paranoia, delusional thinking, and hallucinations.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression is when a woman experiences major depression after giving birth. The symptoms can last from anywhere to a few weeks to close to a year.

Alvarado Parkway Institute offers depression treatment for those struggling with the symptoms of depression in San Diego. We do everything we can to lessen the symptoms of depression, allowing you to live a happy and healthy life. If you are interested in learning more or want to begin treatment, contact Alvarado Parkway Institute today. Give us a call at 619-333-7050.