Causes of Depression

Even with a diagnosis of manic depression, symptoms can be rather pleasurable (during the manic phase, anyhow).  Not all those who suffer from bi-polar disorder are interested in ridding themselves of what makes them “special.”  In fact, it is no uncommon for those suffering from such disorders for a very long time to actually construct their personal and professional lives around their up and down cycles.  It takes a very dedicated professional and a strong will on the part of the depression sufferer to change to affect a lifetime of coping.

For most, the first depression sign is noted in their teens and early twenties.  This coincides with the first onset of a lot of other mental health disorders, giving some credence to the theory that depression is an inherited condition.  For this reason, when someone in a family does get a positive diagnosis, there are a lot of questions among other family members as to whether or not they should be tested.

Sadly, it is even more common for family members or friends to get in the habit of dismissing the opinions and position of the person who is bold enough to admit that they've been diagnosed with clinical, major or bipolar depression.  It is partly for this reason that many people with depression don't' bother with a diagnosis or medication – to avoid the scorn (or sideways glances) of their peers.

Other issues that affect those who have been diagnosed with depression is the methods of treating it.  While it was most recently popular in the 1970s to treat most forms of depression with talking therapy, the method of choice since the early 1990s has increasingly relied upon the use of pharmaceutical drugs.  This fact has caused many people who might have sought treatment to avoid getting in “the system,” for fear of having their personalities and senses dulled by drugs.

Though most insurance companies do now pay for mental health care, not all do, and there are nearly 50 million people in the United States with no or inadequate health care.  These people have little or no access to public health services unless they are actually threatening suicide.  Moreover, there are few or no public mental health workers who can follow up on someone who is brave enough to come into the emergency room for such an ordeal.

In short, there are quite a few reasons that someone suffering from bi polar depression might find it difficult or impossible to seek treatment for mental illness.  There are still quite a few obstacles to making sure that everyone can feel comfortable seeking professional help for depression.