Depression is a condition that affects an individual’s mental and physical well being. It is often brushed off as feeling low persistently or feeling low on energy. However, it is a complex mental disorder, which if ignored, could lead to serious health conditions with the ultimatum being suicide. Below are some of the interesting facts about depression you should know.

Affects mental as well as physical health
Depression doesn’t just affect your mental health, it also impacts your physical health. According to the National Institute Of Mental Health, symptoms like headache, upset stomach, feeling dizzy, sleeplessness, physical tension, shortness of breath could all be the symptoms of depression. If you are feeling consistently low along with these physical symptoms, it is best to visit a mental health practitioner soon.

There could be different triggers
What triggers depression in one person may not be the same in another person. Various events and circumstances trigger depression differently in different people. A person who has experienced the loss of a loved one or loss of a job is far more susceptible to depression than the one who has not. If a person has been in depression in the past, chances are high that a small incident like meeting with a minor accident could trigger depression in him/her. In some cases, there might not be any cause at all. Therefore, it is difficult to generalize the triggers of depression.

Depressed brain’s anatomy looks different
A paper published in a known journal showed that the normal structure of the brain with interconnected neurons is different in people with depression. This in itself is proof that depression is a complex disease which causes change throughout the body.

Your gut feeling might just be true
A healthy gut and a healthy number of gut bacteria are responsible for the overall well being of an individual. For people with depression, the number of good bacteria might be decreased. This strange correlation between the gut bacteria, the central nervous system, and the brain is still under research. In some patients who were put on probiotic supplements after being diagnosed with depression, found a reduction in the symptoms.

Exercise is the least expensive way of treatment
Yes, that is right. Exercising regularly has proven positive results in people with depression. Any kind of rigorous physical activity releases endorphins and serotonin in the body. These are responsible for fighting away cortisol, which is a hormone released during stress, anxiety, or depression. Practicing mindfulness also helps keep negative feelings at bay.

Depression is the leading cause of disability
As mentioned earlier, depression doesn’t just affect your mental health. It also impacts physical fitness. A study conducted on disabled patients with depression revealed that depression was a primary cause for their disability. It is attributed to distorted functioning of the brain, decreased decision-making capabilities, and every task requiring great mental effort.

Some of these facts sure run chills down one’s spine. It is therefore important to understand the symptoms of depression so you can take the necessary action before it is too late. After all, depression is a disorder that is curable.