Emma Hartley 

ENG 1102 

11-21-2020 

Why Does Depression Consume so much of One’s Life? 

Depression. A terrible mental illness that takes control of one’s mental, physical, and

emotional state of mind. It seems to have become the new epidemic around the globe.

Personally, depression has been a huge part of my life the past few years as I went into the

darkest period of my life not too long ago. Which is why Depression seems to be a huge matter

that needs to be researched more. More than 264 million people around the globe suffer from this

mental illness known as MDD (Major Depressive Disorder). Depression consumes one’s ability

to focus on things they found interest in before trauma and stress settled into their consciousness.

Some people consider themselves as the worst people in history. They don't forgive themselves

for even their own mistakes, they estimate themselves lowly and make themselves believe that

they are the worst person on the face of the Earth. Depression is not only a mental illness but it is

also known as an emotional imbalance. 

“Melancholia” was the original term for depression in ancient Mesopotamian texts in the

second millennium B.C. where all mental illnesses including depression were a form of being

possessed by inner demons. The only treatment they would receive was from a priest, thinking

that they could expel said demons out of these people who were clearly suffering from a case of

depression. “The first historical understanding of depression was that depression was a spiritual

or mental illness rather than a physical one” (Pulse). As time went on, people who had a mental

illness became homeless or thrown into an institution. 

new science and psychology was discovered. As society changes, so do the ideas and views of

depression. With philosophers, artists, theorists, and others lay out their input into what makes

depression such a challenging thing to take control of, especially since it takes up most of their

daily lives. Affective treatments such as antidepressants, weren’t distributed until the mid-20th

century. “Antidepressants affect the brain’s chemicals that relay information between nerve

cells” (Harvard Health). Some of the first main depression symptoms include, grief and bile

imbalances. They used to believe that the cure to this disorder was exercise, music, hydrotherapy

and behavioral therapy, where god behavior was rewarded. 

Among young adults, whose age ranges from 12-17 the depression rate is at a 14.4% high

while adults 18 years of age and older ranges at around 7.2% rate, (National Institute of Mental

Health). There are several different factors that convert into one’s suffering such as physical and

environmental factors. Biochemical elements and chronic illnesses are examples of physical

factors. As far as environmental factors go, they can include stress and trauma. The majority of

clinically diagnosed patients are suffering from depression due to trauma from either their past or

present life. 

Learning more about the symptoms and the demographic of this disorder especially,

would send out the message that shines a light on this serious topic that needs more discussion

and research. Some symptoms that doctors look for when diagnosing a patient include as

follows, outbursts of any kind, increased anxiety, self-reproach, inappropriate guilt, fixation on

death, loss of interest from past enjoyable activities, and especially suicidal thoughts or desires.

Regardless of their symptoms, people with these symptoms are the most active in society such as
holding a job, raising families, and volunteer work. They do these things in order to distract

themselves from the suffering they are going through in their own mind. 

Depression is a big game. It is one’s mind playing tricks on themselves, claiming control

over their mental, physical, and emotional state. This disorder is translated to an early death

sentence since it takes off about 25 years of life away due to how much of a toll it takes on the

conscience. Some people take away years from their life by self-medicating with alcohol, drugs,

or even to an extreme of self-harm. In the United States, the leading cause of preventable death is

due to smoking. Those with mental illness tend to smoke more often than someone without a

mental illness. “The smoking rate hovers around 50%-80% when it comes to people with

depression. The second leading cause of death is suicide. Close to 800,000 people, mainly from

the ages of 15-29 years of age die due to suicide each year.” (World Health Organization)

Depression is not something that people can recover from quickly, it can’t just go away

within the matter of days or weeks. It takes some time with medication, therapy, and other

treatments. About 15 million people globally, depression is a constant feeling that doesn’t go

away. This disorder can come between relationships, education, work, health, and focus. Not

only does it affect the person who is clinically diagnosed but it also affects family, friends,

coworkers, and others that are close to those who are diagnosed. Depression can consume so

much of one's life as read above by affecting not only their own lives but others around them,

which can cause them to feel guilt which can increase the rate of their depression up to an all-

time high. 

Leaving depression untreated is very risky, as it can end up affecting lives in the future.

Regardless of other medications with several side effects, it is believed to be necessary to seek

alternative treatment methods for this certain mental illness. Seeking spiritual guidance can
become a good habit to get into with this disorder as it can escort some to thinking positive

thoughts instead of overthinking or thinking negatively. However, the more common treatments

other than medications include three different types of therapy such as, cognitive behavioral

therapy, interpersonal therapy, and psychodynamic therapy. There are often times where mental

illness specialists request some to blend with all three methods. 

There are several different types of depression, but the main four that are most common

include, major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and psychotic

depression. Major depressive disorder is defined as “a mental disorder that is characterized by a

persistently depressed mood and long-term loss of pleasure or interest in life” (Mayo Clinic).

Persistent depressive disorder is claimed to be a “mild but long-term form of depression that

occurs for at least 2 years”, along with other symptoms of depression involved. “A mental

disorder marked by alternating periods of elation and depression” is known as Bipolar Disorder.

Finally, “a severe form of depression where people experience the usual symptoms of

depression, plus delusions and hallucinations,” this is the understanding of psychotic depression. 

Depression is an important topic to discuss and research because raising awareness about

this disorder can help others to seek out help for themselves if they feel as if they are feeling a

way that could possibly lead to depression. It also helps defeat the stigma of the illness. It is

important to talk about it because mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and

social well-being. It affects everything people do from thinking to acting. It also determines how

stress is handled, and how choices are made. The goal of research on depression is to detect

anyone at risk of developing this mental illness so this issue can be prevented from occurring. 

The few things that are believed to increase the risk of developing depression is conflict,

abuse, and life events. With conflict, it can affect the mental state of a person from personal
turmoil’s or disputes with family or friends. Abuse is a serious connection to depression as

physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse can bring it onto someone’s conscious. The simplest

things that can be happening in life such as graduating or moving can cause depression to be

triggered. Regardless if it is a good thing or bad thing there could always be some nerves within

one person that can trigger that emotional switch that can cause depression. 

School is a huge factor that can cause depression. Research shows that “75% of all

mental health conditions begin by at least 24. The college years are a critical time for

understanding and talking about teenage depression” (Newport Academy). Which brings us to

homework, not only does it hold students back from physical activity and attending social events

such as proms, football games, etc. The students also are affected by obesity and other health-

related conditions that can cause depression to be triggered. “A Stanford researcher found that

students in high-achieving communities who spend too much time on homework experience

more stress, physical health problems, a lack of balance and even alienation from society” (Gill). 

56% of students have considered homework as the main source of stress and too much

homework can cause lack of sleep, headaches, exhaustion, and weight loss. School and

homework alone can become a main trigger as stress is an environmental factor that can cause

depression in students. 

There are many dangers and threats that depression can cause to an individual. Suicide,

addiction, self-injury, reckless behavior, poor school performance, relationship issues, and health

concerns are multiple examples of dangers. Suicide, addiction, and self-injury are a threat that

can make the symptoms of depression worsen. Depressed individuals will put themselves in

reckless situations where there can be potential consequences such as, drunk driving and

unprotected sex. Having depression can make it highly difficult to complete assignments for
school because it diminishes the ability to concentrate. As for relationships, there could be a

moment where one could lash out and snap at the other party of the relationship. Depression can

cause someone to not take care of themselves, for example, they wouldn’t feel the need to eat,

get enough sleep at night, or put in the energy to spend time to exercise. 

The way that doctors diagnose depression is through physical examination, a personal

interview, and lab tests. They will also conduct a test known as a diagnostic evaluation,

discussing family history in search of depression or other mental illnesses within the family.

Doctors take blood tests to give to the lab to check for any genetic evidence of past mental

illnesses while conducting other tests. Scientists believe that there is a 40% of people with

depression that trace back to a genetic link to another family member past or present.

Environmental and physical factors create the other 60%. “Research has also shown that people

with parents and siblings who have depression are up to 3 times more likely to have the

condition” (Nemade). 

“The main subcortical limbic brain regions implicated in depression are the amygdala,

hippocampus, and the dorsomedial thalamus. Both structural and functional abnormalities in

these areas have been found in depression. Decreased hippocampal volumes (10, 25) have been

noted in subjects with depression” (Anand). The part of the brain (amygdala) enlarges when “the

influx of cortisol triggered by depression” which is also the part of the brain that controls

emotional responses. The larger it becomes the more active it is, causing sleep disturbance,

activity level changes, and other hormonal changes. If one was to go in and get a brain scan to

find out their diagnosis on depression, it wouldn’t show up. However, “brain imaging” can show

the blood flowing in different areas. If the blood comes to 2 areas at the same time then it is a

sign of “functional connectivity.” When someone is depressed, research shows that the brain
physically ages faster. “New research out of Yale University shows depression can physically

change a person's brain, hastening an aging effect that might leave them more susceptible to

illnesses associated with old age” (Purdy).

The changes depression can cause to the brain are very complex. There are four changes

that are possible to occur while clinically diagnosed with depression such as, cortisol and

memory, cortisol and the amygdala, brain inflammation, and Hypoxia. Cortisol and the amygdala

are discussed in the paragraph above where it was claimed to grow larger when blood gets

flooded for a long period of time. “When your brain gets flooded with cortisol for long periods of

time, it can slow or stop the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus. This results in the

hippocampus actually shrinking in size, which in turn leads to memory problems” (Ellis), is the

effect that cortisol and memory take on the brain. “Brain inflammation can worsen depression,

interfere with neurotransmitters that regulate mood, and negatively impact learning and memory”

(Ellis). A study shows that someone who has depression for more than 10 years is 30% more

likely to have brain inflammation. Hypoxia, also known as reduced oxygen, has been linked with

depression as well. “The result of the brain not getting adequate amounts of oxygen can include

inflammation and injury to and death of brain cells. In turn, these changes in the brain impact

learning, memory, and mood” (Ellis).  

There is a difference on how depression challenges each gender and demographic's

brains. Men are less likely to become depressed, and notice symptoms of depression. They tend

to just complain about fatigue, loss of interest in their work, and sleep problems. They are most

likely to experience anger, aggression, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. While in women,

they are more likely to experience the feeling of guilt, excessive sleeping, weight gain, and

excessive eating. Depression within a woman is also impacted by hormonal factors such as being
pregnant, going through menopause, and menstruation. Every 1 in 7 women experience

postpartum depression after giving birth. 

To revisit the factors that cause depression to form within the brain. People who aren’t

physically healthy are at a higher risk of developing depression. Also, those who participate in

unhealthy practices have a more difficult time overpowering depressive episode. Examples of

negative lifestyle practices include, abusing drugs and alcohol, overworking, poor diet, lack of

exercise, lack of sleep, as well as lack of socializing. An unhealthy lifestyle can work against any

treatments that are given. As far as environmental factors go, synthetic chemicals are

bombarding our bodies. These are in the form of air, water, and food pollution. “Other non-

chemical sources of environmental stress include noise pollution, electrical pollution, natural

disasters, and other catastrophic environmental events” (Nemade). Social and relationship causes

include “events like childhood abuse, long-term stress at home or work, coping with the loss of a

loved one, or traumatic events as environmental” (Nemade). The exposure people have to

environmental factors is partially under their control. 

Overthinking takes up a lot of time and space in the mind, which is when the brain begins

to think negatively by turning positive thoughts into negative ones. Overthinking and negative

thinking are the thoughts that stick to the mind. If a person is to spend their daily life thinking

negative thoughts, feelings, and actions then they could possibly go into a depressive episode for

about 10-30 days. “Oftentimes, overthinking involves focusing on the negative — rehashing the

past, dwelling on bad experiences or worrying about the future” (Hasan).  

It’s not challenging to fall into the whole known as depression. All it takes is one failed

project, one broken relationship, and possibly even rejection. It is healthy to acknowledge the

hole that exists in our minds and that this mental illness is a real phenomenon. Too many people
go around with a smile on their face in order to cover up the mess in their mind that is specified

as a major depressive disorder. Having depression that is consuming someone’s every move and

thought they tend to see life through a darker lens than most. A depressed person tends to believe

that loved ones are better off living without them. Their minds are telling them that there is no

hope for their emotions of feeling sad will never get any better. “What was challenging feels

overwhelming; what was sad feels unbearable; what felt joyful feels pleasureless” (Lubow).

Being in a state of a downward spiral due to this mental disorder can cause a person to feel

abandoned and irredeemably unlovable. For example, in an article that was found and created by

a young girl named Amy she claims that, “depression eats you up from the inside out. It’s like a

monster inside your head that takes over. Anything that was said to me, I managed to turn into a

bad thing. I was literally my own worst enemy” (Amy). She continues to explain how depression

affected and consumed her life and mind by how it conflicted with her family and friends who

were all trying to help her, but she still felt like she was all by her lonesome. This is how a

majority of people, occasionally young adults feel when diagnosed with this illness, and it seems

to be a painful rollercoaster of emotions and thoughts. 

There are four ways that depression can physically affect the brain which includes,

“Brain shrinkage, brain inflammation, oxygen restriction, and structural and connective

changes.” Brain shrinkage in the most recent study proves that specific brain regions can

decrease in size due to depression. In current research, it shows that the parts of the brain that are

affected include: “hippocampus, thalamus, amygdala, frontal, and prefrontal cortices”

(Healthline). When a certain region of the brain shrinks it also retracts the functions that specific

area took control of. As explained previously in this essay, brain inflammation is very common

to a majority of people who are depressed. However, this can lead to other complications such
as: “shrinkage, decreased function of neurotransmitters, and the reduced ability to change as

the person ages” (Healthline). Which can lead to dysfunctions within: “memory, brain

development, learning, and mood” (Healthline). As far as oxygen restriction goes, it can often be

defined by simply stating, “A cellular factor produced in response to the brain not getting enough

oxygen (hypoxia) is elevated in specific immune cells found in people with major depressive

disorder and bipolar disorder.” When oxygen restriction occurs, the brain is highly sensitive to,

“inflammation, brain cell injury, and brain cell death.” And finally, structural and connective

cortices. The effects on the brain in this category include: “reduced functionality within the

hippocampus, amygdala, and the prefrontal cortex.” In the hippocampus this can reduce the

function of a person's memory impairment. While in the prefrontal cortex, depression can affect

the person from getting things done in their daily life, as well as affecting their attention or focus.

Finally, in the amygdala, depression can affect said person’s mood and emotional regulation. “In

short, depression can impact the central control center of your nervous system.”

In conclusion, depression is a very serious and triggering topic however, there needs to be

more attention and awareness brought to this issue. They make themselves feel guilty for

unnecessary reasons and find ways to hate on themselves for something that wasn’t in their

control. The time that I spent in what felt like darkness, it was like no other feeling out there. I

was angry, sad, overwhelmed, exhausted, and all I did was wake up in the morning. It is a tough

illness to fight through and some people can’t afford the treatment or help that is needed to help

with their depression. In which, without help can result into self-medicating with drugs, alcohol,

and self-harming, as well to the extreme, suicide. As this is the most common condition where

the victim is the enemy as well. 

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