[custom_adv] High-functioning depression, or dysthymia. may be harder to detect than major depressive disorder (MDD) because the people living with it are often high achievers who make you think everything is all right all the time. [custom_adv] One of the many unfortunate legacies of the coronavirus pandemic has been an increase in mental health issues. At the top of the list is depression. It’s not an uncommon mental health issue; approximately 10% of the U. S. population suffers from some form of depression. And it’s one of the most treatable mental health conditions, usually managed with counseling or psychotherapy. [custom_adv] Depression can be caused by several factors associated with different types of diagnoses. For example, seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that comes with the changing seasons and lack of sunlight. It affects one to two percent of the population. Medical problems and medication cause about 10 – 15% of depression in people. And postpartum depression affects one out of every seven new mothers. [custom_adv] Your view of the world and assumptions about how the world works can also cause depression. Relying on the judgments of others can subject you to unrealistic expectations that then cause depression and anxiety. Social media plays a part in your view of the world and seeing the predominantly cheerful, successful posts of others tends to make you think everyone else is doing much better than you. [custom_adv] In reality, most people will never share their emotional, painful life stories with the outside world. Not seeing the authentic life of others causes you to question your own self-worth and lowers your own self-esteem. Stress, which is an automatic response to stimulus that requires you to change or adapt, is also a major cause of depression.
