Hidden Causes of Depression?

Hi there. I've dealt with depression and anxiety on and off for the past five years. Generally, my depression and anxiety are reactive--- basically, if my circumstances are bad, my brain overreacts. But now, it doesn't feel reactive. My situation isn't great, but I feel like I can't be alone or idle for too long without falling into a state of depression (low energy, feeling of pointlessness).

My question is, have you ever experienced depression as a part of another condition? Or do you know of depression being a "symptom" of a bigger health issue?

Hi DazedAndConfused123,

Sorry to hear you have struggled for so long. I agree, it's easier to cope with low mood.
You are right to question other causes for low mood.

Many health problems can cause symptoms similar to depression so it's always worth having a medical checkup and screen to rule this out.

Also when we have lived with depression for a while, we may develop habitual ways of thinking or behaviour which helps low mood continue. This is where the principles of CBT can help.

You may wish to check out this website, I found it helpful, if not the complete answer it gives a free six week programme you can follow in your own time, designed and used for the Australian health services but anyone can do it. It's primarily designed for college age people, but I found it useful and I was nearly in my 40s. (I don't know your age)
https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome

Also, boredom can trigger feelings of lethargy and pointlessness similar to depression symptoms so you may find it helpful to structure your life to keep moderately busy with a toolkit of activities for when you need to relax a bit (eg music, movies, puzzles, craft.... Even relaxation or mindfulness video links from utube or similar kept handy to help recharge the batteries)

If you're out of work or have more free time than you want, consider volunteering or join an interest group, it helps to meet people and feel you're contributing to others.

I'm not able to work, but I volunteer two hours a week and it really helps me feel my life has more purpose.

Just a few thoughts for you to pick and mix as you see fit.
Best of luck as you work towards more resilient mental health and quality of life.

One medical condition that can lead to depression is a vitamin B12 deficiency. Basically, B12 is necessary for the body to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, including the brain. Some people, though, are unable to digest and absorb vitamin B12 because their immune system attacks a substance that occurs normally in the digestive tract. This substance (forget what it is called) is necessary to break down the vitamin B12 into a form that the body can absorb and use. Without enough B12 in the body, it cannot make enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body. This can cause medical conditions, including depression and other neurocognitive problems.

I found out recently from a routine blood test during my annual exam that I have a vitamin B12 deficiency. Although I have several other factors that already contribute to my having depression and anxiety, the low B12 and resulting low numbers of red blood cells could definitely be making it worse.
The doctor has me on super high levels of B12 now and says I may need to take it (or B12 injections) for life.

Fizzyo: moodgym is not free at all. You have to pay 36aud.

I think that thyroid hormone deficiency cause depression

Hypothyroidism can definitely be a cause of depression.

Sorry, it was free when I used it.

Vitamin D deficiency might not be a problem where you live, but definitely have your thyroid levels checked. Depression, fatigue, etc. can be classic symptoms.

Maybe I have. I don’t know. I have several physical conditions in addition to several mental illnesses. I can’t tell you which caused which. I can tell you that if one gets worse, it can set off a chain reaction.

any long term illness can trigger depression same with long term pain or immobility - ptsd - many other causes as well as dietary deficiencies - lack of life stimulation - loss - bad situations at work - the list is endless

Yes, there are medical reasons for depression,Vitamin D--stuff like that Thyroid.Get all the medical reasons taken care of--sorry i am used to "whatever happened in your upbringing" too.I just got a "SAD LIGHT",it helps a lot.Oregon gets very "sunlight deficient"you need Vitamin D,and I get SAD IN THE WINTER.--from little sunlight.S0 I actually feel better with the SAD LIGHT.They can be bought everYwhere--Alaska and England need them,as well as Pacific Northwest of the USA.--SO WE FIND GOOD BRANDS,AND "LIGHT UP OUR LIVES!"