How Does Depression Affect Families

With financial woes hitting more and more families, not only throughout the U.S., but literally worldwide, anxiety levels, as well as huge personal loss, have increased dramatically at the same pace. This could easily lead to unprecented levels of depression. Even if we, ourselves, don't come to that dark place, having knowledge and resources to help others is invaluable. Depression can have many causes, of course. Some are hereditary factors, past or present abuse issues, serious illnesses, chronic pain, certain medications, etc. But often depression results from drastic life events like death of a loved one, divorce, or moving. The current financial difficulties facing many families can be that type of event. And, according to medical authorities,
"Even die-hard holiday enthusiasts may find that the extra shopping and socializing can leave them wiped out. Being exhausted increases your stress, creating a vicious cycle. Exercise and sleep - good antidotes for stress and fatigue - may take a back seat to chores and errands. To top it off, burning the wick at both ends makes you more susceptible to colds and other unwelcome guests." (www.mayoclinic.com) Depression is a serious biologic disease that affects millions of people. It affects all ages, genders, races, and economic levels. However it seems to slightly discriminate. Women are at a significantly greater risk than men to develop major depression. Research shows that episodes of depression occur twice as frequently in women as it does in men. Although anyone can develop depression, some types of depression, including major depression, seem to run in families and can be genetic. The disorder is directly associated with changes to levels of chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and norepinephrine. Recent research conducted at Rockefeller University shows that in patients who suffer from depression. Their levels of serotonin p11 protein