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RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...
Why does someone get “clinically” depressed?
Biological causes of clinical depression continue to be studied extensively.
Great progress has been made in the understanding of brain function, the
influence of neurotransmitters and hormones, and other biological processes,
as well as how they may relate to the development of depression.
Researchers studying clinical depression tend to look at several aspects of
brain function including the structures of the limbic system and the
function of neurotransmitters within neurons. The limbic system is the area
of the brain that regulates activities such as emotions, physical and sexual
drives, and the stress response. There are various structures of the limbic
system that are of particular importance. The hypothalamus is a small
structure located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for many basic
functions such as body temperature, sleep, appetite, sexual drive, stress
reaction, and the regulation of other activities. The hypothalamus also
controls the function of the pituitary gland which in turn regulates key
hormones. The activities of the limbic are so important and complex that
disturbances in any part of it, including neurotransmitter function, could
affect your mood and behavior.
To understand what happens in the brain when a person becomes clinically
depressed, it is first important to learn a bit about the function of
neurons and neurotransmitters. Within the brain, there are special chemicals
called neurotransmitters that carry out many very important functions.
Essentially, they help transfer messages throughout structures of the
brain’s nerve cells. Whenever we think, react or feel emotions, our neurons
transmit messages in the form of electrical impulses from one cell to
another.
It is unknown whether changes in levels of neurotransmitters cause the
development of depression or depression causes changes in neurotransmitters.
It may happen both ways. Researchers believe that our behavior can affect
our brain chemistry, and that brain chemistry can affect behavior. If a
person experiences numerous stressors or traumas, this may cause their brain
chemistry to be affected, leading to clinical depression. That same person
may learn how to change depressed thoughts and behavior and cope with
stressful events. Doing this may also change brain chemistry and relieve
depression.
For more advice on clinical depression or any other health issues,
contact Kimberly Mast at Essential Energetics at 403.818.3978.
www.essentialenergetics.ca |
