The direct cause of depression seems to be mainly a decrease in serotonin levels in our nerve synapses in our brains. Norepinephrine and dopamine are two other neurotransmitters that have been implicated as well

Why do some of us have this problem and not others? Partly genetics, partly who knows...Researchers have also found that chronic, low-grade inflammation in our brains worsens depression and Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia. Does it cause it? Probably not. I have 2 sisters and I am the only one who got Bipolar Disorder, and we were brought up on the same diet. I started going weird at age 14, and they were fine. Totally unfair - why me?!

But, you know, I think we're stronger than other 'normal' people. The depression, the despair, the mental anguish we struggle through every day of our lives would probably bring them to their knees in a matter of hours. I'm 50 now, which means that I have been depressed for almost 3/4 of my life (72% of it, actually). I'm Bipolar but I started with depression and spent my twenties curled up in the fetal position crying after work, spent my thirties wishing I was dead every moment of every day, was hypomanic then manic interspersed with depression through my early 40's, and then ended up with rapid cycling Bipolar I in my late 40's. Plus Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from having my pharmacy firebombed just before its 4 month anniversary and then a year later being robbed at gunpoint there by drug dealers. Until then (2011), I was successful. But bad things happened and now I feel incredibly mentally ill. I lost my house, my life-savings, everything - and had to start all over from nothing at age 47. I've turned out stronger than I thought I would ever be.

So be proud of yourself that you've made it this far, and know that you aren't alone. There are a lot of us out there. And we're here on this site to talk to each other and give support - because we've been there, done that, and we know exactly how you're feeling.

For me depression is seeing the dishes need to be done but you can't get the energy to do them. Thinking about past events to much asking why, crying for no reason, getting mad for no reason. Hearing a song and start bawling, just feeling low and not knowing why.

My doctor explained that depression is a medical problem caused when brain chemicals are not in the correct balance, resulting in depression symptoms. Anti-depressant medication can help maintain a better balance. According to research, talk therapy along with medication has the best treatment results.

I need to find some talk therapy

I talked with several Psychiatrists and psychologist over the year's and my final answer is they are all quacks. I had a lot of issues growing up and just like many of you the anger and the pain turned inward and that's when the depression starts. Then if your lucky enough to find a therapist who believes in you.it feels like a godsend at first and then they really don't want to hear it anymore. The trick is to work it out for yourself in many cases. One Psychitryst I had eventually committed suicide, and here I thought I was F***** up. There are dozens of different approaches out there and I don't think even the Psyches don't have the answers.. some say it's chemical and some say its relationships or it's your lousy upbringing..it's a combination really. The answers are inside of us..I think I just need to stay busy and not just posting Good luck to you all. even though I don't think luck has anything to do with it