There can be a number of causes of depression. Sometimes a diagnosis of depression is triggered by a negative life event or series of events, for example; separation or death of a spouse, loss of a job and changes in family circumstances such as the birth of a baby.
All of these life events can cause a big change in lifestyle which can arouse feelings of loneliness, helplessness, worthlessness and can cause a marked change in behaviour such as avoiding activities that would normally provide enjoyment and emotional increased anger and irritability and in some cases suicidal thoughts.
Often major life events in some way impact social status which has been found to impact immunity, stress hormone levels and take time to allow the body to adapt to such changes. Providing an individual is aware of how life changes may be impacting their thoughts, feelings and body sensations, a negative impact on health can be controlled for.
Sometimes the ‘freeze’ response of the Fight, Freeze, Flight response is highlighted as a cause of depression, it mark the rumination on negative thoughts and attitudes that can spiral into an episode of depression.
Mindulness meditation has been shown to teach people to become aware of their thought patterns and learn to disassociate their mind and their thoughts thus freeing themselves from the self-perpetuating cycle of depression.