Image by Rifath
If you struggle with low mood or depression, it may be helpful to know that our understanding of this all-too-common psychological problem has evolved over the years. The idea that depression is solely caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain is now questioned, with an increasing body of research challenging this idea – here’s one such study, by eminent psychiatrist Dr Joanna Moncrieff.
So if depression is not caused by a chemical imbalance (long thought to be a lack of serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood), what does cause it? Well, as so often in psychology, although we often seek simple answers, the answer is a bit more complex. In my opinion, there is no single cause of depression. Instead, both low mood and depression are caused by a whole host of factors, including:
Living in poverty or poor housing
Facing ongoing financial stress for any reason
Misusing alcohol or drugs
Issues with body image or eating disorders such as bulimia, anorexia or binge-eating
Loneliness or a lack of close and meaningful relationships
Experiencing prejudice including racism, sexism or homophobia
Childhood trauma, such as bullying at school, or growing up in an abusive/neglectful family environment
Bereavement, especially ‘complicated grief’ or the life-altering loss of a partner or family member
Persistent negative or obsessional thoughts such as rumination or harsh self-criticism
Painful schemas, formed in childhood, including Defectiveness or Emotional Deprivation
Physical illness such as long Covid, stroke or cardiovascular disease
In fact, there are so many reasons for us to become depressed that psychological Paul Gilbert says it’s more helpful to think of ‘depressions’ than depression. But whatever the cause, no-one would disagree that the experience of depression can be incredibly painful and debilitating.
And a key message that I always teach about depression, as well as any other mental-health problem, is: It’s never too much and never too late to heal. We have such a wide range of powerful and highly effective therapies for depression now, as well as a deep understanding of how to help you feel happier, more hopeful and optimistic, however long you may have been struggling.
That’s why I am presenting a 90-minute webinar on Saturday 3rd June – Overcoming Depression: How to Lift Your Mood & Feel Calmer, Happier & More Hopeful.
As with all my Heal Your Trauma webinars, this event offers a half-price, Reduced-Fee Ticket (£10) for those who need it, or please choose the Supporter Ticket (£20) option when booking if you are able to support the Heal Your Trauma project. All of the income we receive from these events, after covering expenses, is invested back into the project so we can help as many people as possible with their mental health.
All of our Heal Your Trauma webinars are recorded, so if you sign up you will also get exclusive free access to a recording of the event to watch whenever you want.
If you would like to book your place on one of our most popular webinars, you can do so using the button below. I hope to see you there!
Sending love and warm thoughts,
Dan