Depression In North America - a Downturn in Mood!

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Depression is referred to a downturn in mood. This "mood" is usually transitory and is usually caused by something trivial. Depression is another way of term for being sad, feeling blue, discouraged, hopeless or "down in the dumps" Depression is often the result of many factors.

These factors join together to cause feelings of depression or may have the same results when experienced individually. Events in our lives, often some form of loss, are the most likely causes of depression. The loss could be readily apparent like the death of a family member of a friend, or it may be less obvious. Moving away from home for the first time can cause a less obvious feeling of loss.

Domestic problems, financial difficulties, feelings of helplessness in controlling your environment and even a monotonous environment are common causes of a depressed mood. A sad song can bring on a depressed mood. Rainy weather and lack of sunlight are examples of common seasonal causes. The depressed mood can also stem from an internal source.

Lack of self-esteem or a negative view of your life can lead to depression. Hereditary and hormonal factors also contribute to depressed moods. Certain illnesses can encourage depressive behavior. A depressed mood may come at you quickly with no apparent reason, but is likely to leave you just as quickly. Depression lasting for more than two weeks or so severe that it interferes with daily living may indicate a more serious problem and should be discussed with your doctor.


Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in North America. The World Health Organization
anticipates that by 2020, clinical depressions will be the second leading cause of disability worldwide.
Heart disease is expected to continue being number one.

Interestingly, almost twice as many females as males report or receive treatment for clinical depression.
However, recent history is showing a lessening of this imbalance. This difference seems to disappear after the age of 50-55.

The theoretical causes and risk factors of clinical depression are broadly classified into two categories
Physiological and Sociopsychological.

One common sociopsychological cause is life experiences. This includes job loss, long term
unemployment, rape, divorce and sexual dysfunction. As the instances of these causes increases in North
America, the cases of depression rise as well.

A few of the physiological factors prevalent in North America include dietary, medical conditions and even the quality of sleep.

The increase in depression in industrialized countries is linked to the reduced amounts of omega-3 fatty
acids found in intensively farmed and processed foods.  A deficiency in magnesium levels can cause depression as well as an excess of omega-6 fatty acids.

Certain illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, prominent in North America, may contribute to
depression. Some prescription drugs such as hormonal contraceptives and steroids may also play a roll in causing depression.

In short, give yourself a break and relax because life will drag you through the mud until you take charge and start managing your lifestyle instead of having it managed for you!