In this article
- What Are the Main Causes of Depression?
- How Is Biology Related to Depression?
- How Is Genetics Linked to the Risk of Depression?
- Can Certain Drugs Cause Depression
- What’s the Link Between Depression and Chronic Illness?
- Is Depression Linked to Chronic Pain?
- Does Depression Often Occur With Grief?
What’s the Link Between Depression and Chronic Illness?
In some people, a chronic illness causes depression. A chronic illness is an illness that lasts for a very long time and usually cannot be cured completely. However, chronic illnesses can often be controlled through diet, exercise, lifestyle habits, and certain medications. Some examples of chronic illnesses that may cause depression are diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Hypothyroidism may also lead to depressed feelings.
Researchers believe that treating the depression may sometimes also help the co-existing illness improve.
Is Depression Linked to Chronic Pain?
When pain lingers for weeks to months, it's referred to as being "chronic." Not only does chronic pain hurt, it also disturbs your sleep, your ability to exercise and be active, your relationships, and your productivity at work. Can you see how chronic pain may also leave you feeling sad, isolated, and depressed?
There is help for chronic pain and depression. A multifaceted program of medicine, psychotherapy, support groups, and more can help you manage your pain, ease your depression, and get your life back on track.
For in depth information, see Depression and Chronic Pain.
Does Depression Often Occur With Grief?
Grief is a common response to loss. Losses that may lead to grief include the death or separation of a loved one, loss of a job, death or loss of a beloved pet, or any number of other changes in life, such as divorce, becoming an "empty nester," or retirement.
Anyone can experience grief and loss, but not everyone will experience depression, which differs from grief in that depression involves feelings of low self-worth and suicide, while grief involves feelings of loss and longing for a loved one. Each person is unique in how he or she copes with these feelings.
For in depth information, see Grief and Depression.