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What causes sudden depression?
Medical articles
Reviewed by: Dr. Hisham Abu Hijazi, Consultant Psychiatrist

Do you feel a strange sadness for which you do not know the source, and you are surprised that you feel it even though no event has occurred recently that calls for feeling this deep sadness, and you wonder within yourself what is the cause of the sudden depression that you cannot overcome?

What is the cause of sudden depression?

Some factors can contribute to depression, and we list them for you as follows:

  • Disturbances in the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin.
  • One of the family members, especially the first-degree family, suffers from depression as a result of the genetic factor. 
  • Exposure to psychological pressures and accumulations that the person does not release on a regular basis.
  • The recent death of a relative or loved one.
  • Experiencing divorce or separation.
  • Absence of friends and people who provide support to the person. 
  • Suffering from a chronic disease that affects the quality of life.
  • Taking some medications that have depression as a side effect. 

يمكنك قراءة Immediately start treatment for psychotic depression and get rid of its serious complications

What are the causes of depression in women?

In addition to the aforementioned reasons, women's chances of developing depression increase as a result of the hormonal changes they periodically experience during menstruation, not to mention the massive hormonal changes that their bodies go through during pregnancy and after childbirth.

It is worth noting that although women have an increased chance of developing depression, they are more likely to seek psychological treatment compared to men, which is why many affected women skip it because of their courage in seeking help and treatment.

يمكنك قراءة The diagnosis of depression is an illness that faces all ages without conditions

What are the symptoms of sudden depression?

Below we list some of the symptoms and signs of depression that may appear due to sudden depression:

  • Irritability and ease of anger.
  • Feeling anxious.
  • Suffering from various pains in the body.
  • Suffering from sleep problems.
  • Fatigue and low energy.
  • Feelings of guilt and lack of self-confidence. 
  • Difficulty concentrating and making decisions.
  • Appetite changes.
  • Feeling frustrated.
  • Isolation and loss of desire to socialize.

We ask you not to hesitate to seek help from a psychologist if you suffer from some of the above symptoms.

Is sudden depression normal?

A distinction must be made between sudden bouts of sadness and depression. Sadness is a natural emotional state that all people go through, while depression is a mental illness that must be intervened to diagnose and treat appropriately. One of the easiest ways to differentiate between normal sadness and depression is the extent of a person’s ability to carry out his daily tasks and activities. However, this is not the only measure, of course, as many people with depression carry out their daily activities despite feeling heavy and buried sadness. 

We ask you not to hesitate to go to a doctor or psychologist if you are confused about whether what you are experiencing is just a period of normal sadness or depression that requires medication and psychological treatment. In both cases, the specialist will help and support you to the extent your condition needs.

Book your consultation now at Rafah Center for Mental Health At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital 

What are the actions of a depressed person?

You may notice that a depressed person is abnormal by monitoring the following points:

  • Not participating in gatherings and conversations as before.
  • Loss of desire to express his feelings.
  • Avoiding social situations and mingling with others.
  • Suffering from insomnia or sleeping for long hours. 
  • Eating less or eating too much.

What do you do when you feel depressed?

We share with you the following tips to help you if you feel sad without knowing the cause of sudden depression:

  • Get some rest, but try to avoid complete isolation from family and friends.
  • Share how you feel with someone you trust.
  • Increase your physical activity as much as possible, even if it is walking for a third of an hour, because movement helps improve your mood. 
  • Eat healthy and nutritious foods.
  • Do not avoid or deny the problems you suffer from. Acknowledging them is the first step to confronting and treating them. 
  • Occupy your time as much as possible with useful activities and do not neglect work tasks.
  • Seek help from a psychologist if the previous methods do not work to relieve you.

Frequently asked questions 

What is the reason for the sudden feeling of sadness?

This is usually due to some genetic factors or a change in hormones in addition to psychological trauma, or a change in brain chemistry, and sometimes it is due to a lack of certain nutrients in the body, as well as due to stress and tension, or due to sleep disturbances. 

How to get rid of sudden depression?

This can be done by following a healthy lifestyle based on eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising, in addition to interacting with family and friends and staying away from isolation, while being careful to avoid all factors that cause sadness, while getting enough sleep and focusing on positive things. 

How do you know that you are depressed?

This can be identified by observing behaviors, knowing the psychological and physical symptoms of depression, monitoring oneself well, and observing the continuation of bouts of anger, sadness, breakdowns, and crying for more than two weeks. Here, it is necessary to see a doctor immediately. 

You may not know the cause of the sudden depression that you feel from time to time, but you are now aware of the ways that help you deal with it and overcome it safely.Book appointment Within the clinics of Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to ensure distinguished service at the hands of a group of the best doctors in the Kingdom. 

Sources and references

Schizophrenia – mayoclinic

Schizophrenia – clevelandclinic

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