5 Common Stressors That Can Lead to Depression

Whether you have or haven’t struggled with depression, you likely have a good understanding of it. In recent years, mental illness has become less of a stigma. With these positive changes, now, people are being more open about it.

Part of the discussion surrounding depression is how you can stop it from happening. Whereas some struggle with clinical depression, others may get depressed from other stressors.

To prevent depression, you must first educate yourself. Here are five everyday stressors that may result in you or a loved one struggling with depression.

1. Losing a Loved One

Losing a loved one is never easy. It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who made an impact on your life. While grieving is natural, sometimes, depression may accompany it.

Grief affects everyone differently and can show up both physically and mentally.

Here are a few symptoms that often accompany grief:

• Depression and anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping and resting
• Feeling angry
• An increase in blood pressure and heart rate
• Changes in one’s immune system

You may not know if what you’re experiencing goes beyond grief. Or, you have a mental illness already, and your suffering is compounding everything.

If you feel your grief is more than you can bear, it may be time to seek professional help.

2. Financial Difficulties

Financial difficulties are common, but sometimes they can take on a life of their own. Feeling the pressure of finances is mentally taxing. It’s hard not being able to provide for yourself and your family members.

If you or someone you know is struggling with paying the bills, keep an eye out for depression.

There are ways to recover from financial hardships before depression creeps in, though. First, you should find a trusted friend or family member who can offer advice. Together, you should be able to come up with a solution.

An example of a solution may be borrowing money from someone you trust. Or, you can figure out a plan with a financial advisor. 

It’s important to get a handle on your finances before it spreads into other areas of your life. Otherwise, getting further buried in debt can result in anxiety and, eventually, depression.

3. Issues at Work

Having issues at work is another stressor that can result in depression. For example, you may have a high-pressure job, and your job performance is waning.

If a lot is riding on you, it’s only natural you experience a lot of stress. If possible, try to ease up and give yourself a mental health day. Or, better yet, take a week off and go on vacation!

There are other ways to improve your job as well. Try brainstorming ways to lighten your load and improve your work circumstances. You may need to hire someone to help, or get a new job, for example.

If you don’t make changes now, you could be headed toward a depressive episode. There are still things you can do now, though, that’ll allow you to lead a happy life doing work you love.

4. Not Being Able to Find an Anti-Depressant That Works

It could be that you’re already depressed and haven’t been able to find a medication that works. There are a lot of anti-depressants available, and new ones are constantly being approved. But for some, they’re not able to find the proper medication to treat their depression.

Of course, one should never give up hope. Sometimes, if medication isn’t working, there are other forms of treatment to consider.

For example, studies show that particular substances like psilocybin interact with serotonin receptors. When serotonin increases, depression symptoms improve. Thus, for treatment-resistant depression, finding other solutions like therapeutic substances could be life-changing.

Of course, before trying a new alternative therapy, always consult with a physician.

5. Relationship Problems

Divorce is still common nowadays, but not as common as it used to be. Today, many aren’t getting married, and, instead, are in a committed relationship. Regardless of whether you’re married or not, the truth remains that relationships are no walk in the park.

Experiencing difficulties in a relationship can cause a lot of stress. If you add mental and physical abuse, that compounds things as well.

When it comes to relationship problems, understand that relationships take work. And with a romantic relationship, oftentimes they’re more mentally draining.

Work with your significant other to make one another happy. But don’t sacrifice your happiness along the way. Without taking the right strides to repair a relationship, depression may follow. Likewise, by not leaving an unhealthy relationship, you may struggle with depression.

Listen to your heart and your mind. Then, it’s up to you to do your best to establish and maintain a healthy relationship for both your sakes.

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Conclusion

Now that you know some everyday stressors that sometimes result in depression, ask yourself if you’re struggling with them.

If you are going through a few of these difficulties, it doesn’t mean you’re going to get depressed. It does, however, mean you need to take steps to improve your situation.

There are many ways to cope, whether making a drastic life change or going to therapy. So, find ways to live your life to the fullest and deal with stress in a healthy way.

Remember everyday stressors that may lead to depression. It’s up to you to take care of your mental health and make it a priority!