For some people, connecting stress and depression requires just a simple leap in logic. After all, both conditions are negative and would therefore create an overlap with each other. Although a connection between depression and stress is existent, there is actually a scientific side that proves the link between these two conditions.
When under stress for long periods of time, the body reacts by releasing cortisol, a hormone usually associated with stress and a weakened immune system. In fact, it has quite an impact on a person health-wise that there are already prescribed drugs to lower the cortisol level in a person. Added to that, stress significantly decreases dopamine levels in the body. Unlike cortisol, dopamine is a good hormone that allows us to feel happy emotions. It has been associated with feelings of love and that cheerfulness we get after eating chocolate. Hence, when viewed overall, chronic stress adds to the bad hormones and reduces the good ones, which could ultimately lead to depression overtime. In fact, the reaction of the brain to chronic stress closely resembles to that of depression.
Understanding stress
The key word that ultimately causes depression from stress is “chronic”. This means that the stress is induced continuously that the body does not have time to recover from the amount of cortisol. Stress in itself is actually healthy for a person. It prompts people to act, creating pressure to jumpstart any activity. Pretty much like an adrenaline rush. However, letting it stay like that for long periods of time creates the depression.
There are many ways that a person can have an experience with chronic stress. Taking care of a sick loved one or perhaps losing a job would be enough to induce the condition. Of course, depression is not always the case when chronic stress happens. The fact is that people react differently to continuous bouts of stress. A theory in psychology called the “diathesis-stress” suggests that each individual has this dormant disorder that is triggered by a particular stressor. Hence, although depression is a likely result of stress, it is not always the outcome.
Understanding depression
People who are depressed are not always aware of the condition. Most of the time, they describe it as a low mood or a sad feeling that will not go away. Like most illnesses, there are various symptoms that trigger depression. These include feelings of hopelessness, guilt, unworthiness and contemplations of suicide. Fatigue, irritability, insomnia, overeating, sleeping too much and waking too early are also considered signs. Sometimes, the condition triggers the body to feel certain aches and pains that are not treatable by medicine. Reluctance to participate in favorite activities could also indicate that a person is depressed.
There are many theories that explain why humans experience the condition. One of the popular theories state that it is a form of adaptation. When a person sinks into depression for some time and then snaps out of it, they will be able to handle harder problems that come their way in the future.
Battling stress
The ability to de-stress is an excellent way to minimize risks of depression. Following are some of the known ways to battle stress:
Get some alone time
For most people, being alone just hastens that stress factor since it gives them too much time to think about their worries. Hence, when getting your alone time, you should concentrate on doing things that you enjoy and allows the mind to think about something else. Even playing a simple favorite video game could allow a person to de-stress and feel refreshed. Do not get an alone time by sitting in a dark room without doing anything since this would only worsen the problem.
Get some physical activity
Stress usually creates the feeling of accumulated energy, as if too much power is bottled up inside and is now straining to get out. By getting sufficient exercise, the energy is let out through healthy means. A simple brisk walk or one set of tennis should be enough to alleviate the tension. Not only does it allow the mind to divert tracks, but the physical activity itself triggers the body to release hormones that boost your overall mood.
Socialize
Schedule a time for you and your friends to just go out and have some fun. Relationships that center on strength and support are excellent ways to buffer the negative feelings.
Stay away from alcohol
This is not so much as a cure but more of a way to prevent the worsening of stress. Alcohol is a known mood suppressor and would create negative impressions on a person under stress. Ideally, a normal diet full of nutritious meals would be the best course of action.
When battling stress, it is not ideal to make a complete 180 degree turn. Just a few small changes can already do wonders to the mood of a person. By learning to adapt and work your way through stress in a healthy manner, you could eventually build the resilience needed to avoid depression altogether. The stress condition is more of an emotional problem than the physical so learning to master it essentially develops us into a better person.