New Research Has Linked Depression To A Specific Type Of Brain Damage

Jul 26, 2018 by apost team

Unfortunately, all to often mental illness gets a negative stigma. In the case of depression, it is common to hear people blame the depressed person for not being positive enough. New research has been conducted in this field that shows us chronic depression may be linked to brain damage.

A study conducted by the ENIGMA MDD Working group has broken many notions of how depression affects the brain. Depression is hard to deal with.

apost.com

Clinical psychologist Jordan B. Peterson has a helpful story to illustrate the severity of the problem. He asks his patients to describe their depression to him and a specific answer stood out. A young woman replies "imagine your childhood dog dying every day, over and over again." The story continues and unfortunately, this young woman's childhood dog does die and doctor Peterson asks "What is worse? The depression or your dog's death? The woman replies, depression.

How can something so traumatic be viewed as a choice by so many? "Just think positively," is the common response to any call for help. The work done by The Enigma MDD working group has actually shown the brain of a person suffering from depression is different than the brain of a person fortunate enough to live without it. We do not urge people suffering from illnesses like schizophrenia and Aspergers to think positively and all their troubles will disappear.

Why is depression different?

The work done by Enigma Group was published in Molecular Psychology and the study surveyed 9,000 individuals. The study gave overwhelming evidence that the relationship between depression and damage is revealed in the hippocampus. Out of the participants studied the individuals that suffered from depression were significantly more likely to have shrinkage in their hippocampus.

Depression is not a choice and if you are suffering from it, it can be difficult to seek help. The fact that this illness is not a choice is a double edge sword. On one hand, we know that because it is very likely depression is caused by biological differences, depression might be something we will have to deal with for a long time. But, on the bright side of things, we know that it is not our fault.

Suffering from depression myself, I know the weight that depression carries and I blamed myself for not being able to bear the load. Understand that this is not your choice and this is not your fault. Seeking help will be the most impactful decision someone suffering from this illness can make. Talk to a friend, a family member, a professional or anyone that you trust and just be honest.

Do you suffer from depression or know someone who is? Pass this article to your friends and loved ones and lets spread the word about depression. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!