What Causes Depression?
Depression occurs as a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. It often runs in families. This mood disorder can be caused by a variety of experiences or emotions. One cause is a traumatic experience such as the death of a loved one, marriage complications, stress or drastic life changes.
A person may feel guilty, lonely or experience feelings of hopelessness as a result of this situation. Trauma recovery is offered at a variety of trauma treatment center and is often beneficial to those struggling with depression caused by trauma.
Ways to Deal with Depression after Trauma
- Talk about it. If you do not feel comfortable sharing your struggles with a family member or friend, seek counseling or join a local support group.
- Take part in fun activities. Try something new or pick back up an old activity.
- Exercise. These energizing activities can do a lot for your general health and often end up reducing stress.
- Talk to a health professional. Be honest with them and they may be able to recommend special medications or trauma therapy to you.
- Allow family and friends to help you.
- Give yourself time to grieve. Rushing the situation may only make it worse.
- Limit media exposure. If your traumatic experience is show in the newspaper or on the television you may wish to limit your exposure.
- Set achievable goals.
- Stick to a routine. Get an adequate amount of sleep and eat appropriately, these simple things provide stability in life.
- Avoid alcohol and drugs. Many people turn to these substances as a way of blocking out confusing emotions. Avoiding your problems however, only increases them.
- Volunteer. Help out in your community in your own personal way.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Avoid foods with large amounts of sugar or caffeine. Caffeine releases stress hormones and sugar creates false highs and lows in one’s emotions.
Depression as a result of trauma can be a very difficult situation to overcome. However, with the help of a depression treatment facility or trauma treatment center, depression and trauma recovery is possible.