Stress factors that cause depression
Individual
variation
How people tolerate stress in their lives varies greatly from one
individual to another. Some people can tolerate losing their job, selling
their house and having a baby all in the same year without succumbing to
depression. Other more vulnerable individuals may find that the break-up
of a relationship and a change of job is more than they can withstand
before falling ill. This has nothing to do with moral fiber. It is simply
a matter of how psychologically robust each individual may be. What is
important is to recognize your own limits in order to avoid piling stress
upon stress.
Heightening
the risk
All these
factors, separately or in combination, further add to your risk of
becoming depressed:
-
Coming from an
economically poor background
-
Being unable
to confide in your partner
-
Having a poor
social life, especially in later life
-
The experience
of rejection by parents in childhood
-
Perfectionism
-
Anxiety
-
Illness or
surgery
-
Poor diet
-
Several young
children at home
-
Drinking
alcohol to excess
Recognizing
risk
If you start to feel that everything has got on top of you, make
arrangements for "Time Out". Cancel all appointments and commitments for
one day. Put on the answer phone. Arrange for someone to take care of
your children - there must be at least one friend or relative who lives
nearby and would help out. Just do nothing for one whole day and get your
breath back. This short pause in a stressful life can help to lessen the
chances of developing a depressive illness.
Key Facts:
-
Do take a
whole day for yourself and give yourself essential breathing space.
-
Don't turn
down offers of practical help with stressful tasks, such as moving house
or caring for young children.
-
Try to take
some time for yourself, however busy your lifestyle. It is especially
important to have a pause and relax when you know that a stressful event
is ahead.
-
Know your own
limits, so that you can take steps to prevent stresses building up to
such an extent that depression results.
-
Taking a short
break in a demanding life from time to time lessens stress and so reduces
the chances of developing depression.
