Depression

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(x)         Ailments – You could also be depressed if you are anaemic, suffer from pre-menstrual tension, have hormonal imbalance, frequent viral infections and certain food allergies. Diabetes, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) and weakness of the liver resulting from the use of refined or processed foods, fried foods and an excessive intake of fats may also lead to depression. There are other situations that can trigger depression i.e. postnatal after having a baby; bipolar, which is characterised by periods of depression followed by periods of a very high mood and manic behaviour; seasonal affective disorder (SAD) caused by lack of light in winter. Even most people having chronic cough (for months or years) can suffer from depressive symptoms. They feel socially isolated and miserable. They are afraid to go out in public, go to a religious place or to a restaurant. Their cough affects their relationship and their jobs.

(xi)        Atheism – Some therapists are of the opinion that not believing in God can adversely affect the ability to cope with mishappenings and misfortunes which can trigger depressive feelings. Those people who are religious generally are more contented and relatively happy because they tend to accept unpleasant situations as will of God.

(xii)      Heredity – Many research studies have documented the heritability of depression. In fact, among identical twins, if one twin has depression, the likelihood of the other having a mood disorder is about 70-90 percent.

DISEASES DUE TO DEPRESSION

          Mental health is the key to complete wellness. Depression, severe mental illness and loneliness are linked to illnesses such as heart disease and dementia according to several studies published in 2007. In one study, the arteries of those who were most depressed had narrowed twice as much as those who were least depressed. Hardening of the arteries can be a precursor to a heart attack or stroke and may occur because of a malfunctioning nervous system in depressed people. Depression may also upset the body’s regulation of glands that release chemicals governing energy level and growth, and after the functioning of cells responsible for blood clotting. Hardening of the arteries leads to an overreaction of the immune system and the resulting inflammation is known to release chemicals that can have effects on behaviour.