6 Harmful Habits that Can Cause Depression

To keep depression away, it's important to devote at least 30 minutes a day to some type of physical activity. Learn more about this and other helpful life changes in this article.

Depression is an emotional disorder produced by changes in brain chemistry, whether from stimulation by a certain situation or hormonal imbalances and environmental factors.

It is characterized by the appearance of feelings of sadness and irritability and sometimes a loss of interest in life.

It is a health problem that many are concerned about in today’s society, since it is becoming more and more frequent, especially in adolescents.

While most cases are mild and sporadic, if they’re not treated, they may turn into a serious and hard-to-control problem.

The thing is that it has become so common that now some people are actually unaware that it can be caused by certain daily habits.

Today, we would like to share 6 habits associated with the appearance of depression.

Find out what they are so you can help keep your mind and body healthy.

1. An unhealthy diet

You may not be aware that what you eat plays an important role in your mental health and directly influences your nervous system.

An unhealthy diet high in fat and refined sugar creates issues with your hormones and increases your susceptibility to depression and stress.

Having excessive amounts of it increases your cortisol production, a chemical substance related to emotional imbalances.

How can I fix it?

  • Limit your consumption of unhealthy foods.
  • Instead, increase your intake of foods high in antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acids, and protein.

See this article, too: 5 Things You Never Knew About Depression, the Invisible Disease

2. Physical inactivity

Sedentary people aren’t just more likely to develop chronic health problems, but also depression.

Exercise is necessary for good physical and mental health, since it stimulates the secretion of happiness hormones.

How can I fix it?

  • Come up with a varied exercise routine and stick to it every day.
  • Spend at least 30 minutes a day doing some physical activity.

3. Sleeping little

Sleep plays a very significant role in your physical and mental well-being. Without you even realizing it, certain processes happen during this time that can’t be done at any other time of the day.

Having interrupted sleep or suffering from insomnia for several days at a time increases your cortisol production, which then increases your anxiety.

As a result, you are more vulnerable to having depressive episodes and are made less capable of facing everyday difficulties.

How can I fix it?

  • It’s essential to sleep 8 uninterrupted hours a day.
  • If you have trouble sleeping, you should find a relaxing, natural solution that works for you.
  • Don’t use electronic devices or eat heavy meals before bed.

4. Spending too much time alone

Spending time alone can help you reflect and get over difficult situations. However, doing it too much can be harmful for your emotional health.

Having company and social relationships keep your mind active and directly affect your well-being.

Isolating yourself and not taking time out for friendships is strongly associated with depression.

How can I fix it?

  • Take some time out to spend with friends and family doing something fun.
  • Talk to someone close to you who you trust when you are going through a hard time.

We recommend reading: Constantly Feeling Guilty and in a Bad Mood (Concealed Depression)

5. Thinking negatively

Negative thoughts are one of the major causes of depression. While they may not be conscious thoughts, keeping them means living in sadness and bitterness.

Seeing the bad in situations, feeling like everything is against you, or staying in your comfort zone out of fear are things that have a big impact on your emotional state.

How can I fix it?

  • Learn to see everything as an opportunity to be a better person. This is a great way to get thinking positively.
  • Identify and stay away from toxic people. This key to getting over this situation.
  • Always be willing to face the challenges that arise, no matter the risk or result.
  • Keep a journal listing the positive things that happen in your life every day or the positive results of a negative experience.
  • Learn habits that help relieve stress and promote serenity.

6. Being in a stressful work environment

A large percentage of people with depression have gotten there by staying in stressful work environments.

Too much work, bullying in the office, and troubles with coworkers end up causing issues at the psychological level, to the point of causing sadness and loss of motivation.

How can I fix it?

  • Do your best to stop working too much and take breaks to rest for a few minutes.
  • Avoid contact with people you don’t get along with.
  • Keep the environment peaceful with background music, soothing air fresheners, and clean spaces.

Do you have any of these habits? If so, make an effort to do something about it so depression doesn’t take advantage of the situation.

If the problem doesn’t go away, never be afraid to see a specialist for help.







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