As we mentioned in previous articles depression is a normal response as part of our daily lives such as a loss of job,the death of a love one, and illness. Over 30 million Americans suffer from depression and the amount is increasing in an alarming rate. Depression may be a mental health disorder that can affect the way you eat, sleep, and the way you feel about yourself. In this article, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of depression.

I. Causes

a) Hormone imbalance

About 60% of people suffering from physical depression have abnormal levels of thyroid or adrenal hormones causing impaired thinking and making it difficult to carry out daily activity. If the thyroid hormone is in low levels we have hypothyroidism resulting in weight gain, fatigue and loss of appetite. If the thyroid hormone is in high levels we hyperthyroidism resulting in hand trembling, weakness, anxiety and nervousness. On the other hand, if adrenal hormone is in low levels symptoms may include stress, and weakness. If the adrenal hormone is in high level symptoms include weight gain, and diabetes.

b) Immune disorder

Immune system disorder causes concentration difficulty, lowered mood, memory loss, anxiety and symptoms of depression.

c) Nutritional deficiency

Too much Omega fatty 6 and deficiency of Omega acid 3 causes memory loss, mood swings and depression. On the other hand deficiency of vitamin B12, chromium, selenium or magnesium causes anxiety and depression as well as mood swings.

d) Sleeping disorder

If sleeping disorder is serious enough to interfere with normal physical, mental and emotional functioning such as fatigue, poor concentration, low mood and other symptoms of depression.

c) Effect of medication taken

Many medications cause symptoms of depression as a side effect such as low mood and anxiety as a result of taking heart and hypertension medication.

II. Symptoms

a) Loss of interest and energy in life

b) Change of sleeping and eating habits

c) Can not concentrate

d) Lowered self esteem

e) Deep sadness and hopeless

f) Thought of suicide and death

I hope this information will help. If you want to more information of the above subject, you can follow my series of articles and visit my home page at: