Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression?

Published on: 27 September 2018 Last Updated on: 26 November 2021

Many people tend to think of depression as a temporary phase where someone is sad, and this makes many think that you need to get out of that emotional state. However, the illness is much more than that, as it is the result of changes in the chemistry of the brain.

Like all other conditions that can develop in your body, there are risk factors that raise the chances of you getting the illness, although it is possible you can develop it without the risk factors being present. However, it should be kept in mind that your risk of developing the illness is higher when there are more risk factors, so you need to ask your doctor about reducing these factors.

The risk can be related to a combination of various circumstances such as environmental, psychological, and genetic ones. The NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) estimates that almost 16 million Americans have experienced a major episode of depression.

Different Reasons Of Sleep Dis-orders & Depression Are As Follows:-

In this article, you will get the complete information of the depression and sleep disorder reasons that can bother you later on.

Risk factors:

Biochemical risks:

The beginning of depression occurs when certain neurotransmitters in the brain are off balance. Neurotransmitters are certain chemicals that the brain produces, and they assist the brain to communicate with other organs in your body. They also assist the brain to carry out certain physiological functions such as breathing.

When these neurotransmitters are at low levels, the person is more vulnerable to depression, particularly certain neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.

Genetic factors:

When you have someone in your family who is suffering from the illness, there is a higher chance you will develop it as well. However, it can also develop when there is no family history of the illness, and this is why it is termed as a combination of life events and genetic reasons.

Sleep disorders:

There is a reason why your body needs sleep, as it is able to reduce the buildup of cortisol in the body, a stress hormone that is good for short periods but causes stress to the body when it stays for long periods.

Because of this, it is not surprising to find that people who struggle with sleep disorders will also tend to develop depression, especially those who suffer from insomnia – leading to bouts of low moods.

Suffering from chronic illnesses:

Because these conditions will cause you stress and pain, they can also take a heavy toll on your mental health. These include chronic pain, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, heart diseases, stroke, thyroid disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Social risks:

Abuse:

Abuse

When a person goes through any form of abuse, whether as a child, teen or adult, they have a major risk of developing the condition, and also developing other mental illnesses as well. This abuse can range from emotional, physical, verbal or sexual abuse.

Gender factors:

Men are generally less at risk of developing depression compared to women, but this might be because there are more women who are open to seeking treatment for their symptoms compared to men. Some people also believe that the illness is due to changes in hormone levels throughout the person’s life.

In fact, women are vulnerable to developing the illness when they are pregnant and also after childbirth (postpartum depression), in addition to developing it during menopause.

The lack of a strong support system:

When a person spends a lot of time in isolation, and they have very few support systems or friends, it can be a common source of depression. It is important to note that this is not the same as introversion, and is more described as a feeling of loneliness or extreme changes in a person relating to their moods and emotions.

The occurrence of major events:

This is among the most common reasons for developing depression, mainly relating to stressful or sad events. These include losing a job, divorce or breaking off a relationship, retirement from a job, moving to a new place, and death of a close loved one. If a major event has occurred in your life and you have experienced sadness for more than two months without getting better, then it is best to see your doctor so that you can go through tests for depression.

Substance abuse risk factors:

Abuse of drugs and alcohol:

For many people who are struggling with substance abuse, it is mainly tied to mental health disorders, including depression. This is also known as dual diagnosis, and there are various rehab facilities that can help a person struggling with it, such as Colorado substance abuse treatment centers.

It is also important to note that drug abuse leads to significant changes in the brain, which in turn increase your risk of developing depression. Many people who have developed depression symptoms also tend to self-medicate as well, which increases their symptoms and overall risk.

The use of certain medication:

There are some medicines that raise the risk of developing depressive symptoms as a side effect, and they include blood pressure medication, steroids, prescription painkillers, sleeping pills, and sedatives.

Other factors:

Psychological reasons:

There are some psychological factors that will increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. For instance, if you have low self-esteem, this makes you view your world through a pessimistic outlook, and raises your risk of depression. It will also leave you with an overwhelming feeling of stress and sadness.

There is also the case of perfectionism increasing your risk, as you do not see things going the way you want them. It also makes you very sensitive to errors, rejection, and losses, which increases your risk of developing the condition. In addition, if you are suffering from another mental illness, such as chronic anxiety disorder, as well as avoidant and borderline personality disorders, your risk of getting depression is significantly higher.

Low socioeconomic status:

You may not think much about it, but it is a major risk factor for the development of the disease. It may be due to cultural reasons, social status, stressful environments, and so on.

Final thoughts:

If you know someone struggling with the illness or you are struggling with it, it is very important to seek medical help. The illness is not well understood, as it is a complex medical condition. The good news is that is easy to treat and manage.

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11 Effective Ways To Improve Testosterone Levels In Your Body

Testosterone and how it affects our body: We are generally aware of testosterone as the sex hormone responsible for ‘manhood’. This hormone is also known as “Human Growth Hormone” (HGH). It is entirely right that it is essential for playing a critical role in metabolism, stimulating sexual desire, increase libido, sexual arousal and satisfaction. Both men and women produce testosterone but females produce it in relatively lower quantity than men. Testosterone is secreted in testes and adrenal glands in men, whereas in women, it is produced in the adrenals and ovaries. This hormone peaks during the early twenties and then goes on to decrease by 10% in the successive decades of aging. Besides all this, it is also required for maintaining healthy pain response, sufficient levels of RBC, regular sleep patterns, bone density, muscle mass, and high energy levels. As we grow, our testosterone levels start declining. Our lifestyle is also responsible for lowering of testosterone levels. Insufficient nutrition, low vitamin-D levels, weight gain, inadequate exercise and prescription drugs (statins) are some of the main reasons for the lowering of testosterone levels. 40% of men over 45 years are affected by low testosterone level. Visible symptoms of low levels are observed in decreased sexual drive, frequent mood-swings, difficulty in concentrating, Good level of Testosterone Poor level of Testosterone Sharper mind Fatigue Happy Moods Risk of Alzheimer’s disease High confidence levels Depressed Healthy Heart Increased fat tissues Healthy libido Erectile dysfunction and poor libido Strong and healthy bones Risk of osteoporosis Full of energy Short of memory Naturally effective ways to increase Testosterone Levels in your body: Boosting your testosterone level turns out to be a basic necessity to keep yourself healthy and effectively productive at all levels. It will improve your energy levels, confidence, and happy moods to tackle day to day problems of your life in a much more pleasant manner. It is always better to adopt a lifestyle which helps you in improving the T-levels so as to attain its numerous health benefits. However, if nothing seems to work out to improve your testosterone levels, you should consider medical assistance from a reputed organization. Talking about which, professionals from Kingsberg Medical can help you with any doubts regarding your growth hormone therapy or current levels of testosterone in your body. ● Get adequate and quality sleep: Getting enough sleep at the right times of the day tends to be one of the most effective natural ways to raise testosterone levels. Most people require 6 to 7 hours of sleep during the night. The body resets itself every night and releases chemicals like cortisol, which contribute towards the balancing of overall hormone levels and prevent lowering of T-levels. Some endocrinologists claim that one hour of sleep between 10 pm and 2 am has similar healing effects on your body which are resulted by two hours of sleep before or after this time. So ideally, one should go to bed around 10 pm and wake up at around 6 am for optimal hormone balance. ● Stress reduction: People with lower testosterone levels are often found to be struggling with frustration, unforgiveness and anger issues. This chronic stress kills your quality of life. You need to find ways to relieve your stress to keep your testosterone levels up. To begin with, you can make a list of people you wish to forgive and then do so. Also, it is essential if you can turn to religious books or personal growth books. You can also seek the help of a personal counselor. Take care of your emotional issues, resentment, unforgiveness, anger and frustration and you will find yourself much more relieved and stress-free. Ultimately, raising your testosterone levels naturally. ● Fasting intermittently: Intermittent fasting is one of the most natural testosterone boosters. It has been observed to increase the T-level by 200 % or even up to 400 %. A study conducted by a medical school found that growth hormone levels increased manifold in men who didn't consume any calories for 24 hours and growth hormone levels are further correlated with testosterone. Basically, intermittent fasting means that you skip your breakfast and eat your meals close together. You can eat three meals per day with three hours of an interval, starting at noon and ending by sunset. This paves the way to a relaxation routine of your organs, particularly liver which is known to be highly related to testosterone levels in your body. ● Use of healthy fats: Another natural way is to add a lot of healthy fats in your diet. If you have a dire habit of consuming junk food and too many carbohydrates, then you must get rid of those habits and add healthy fats to your food habits. There are three categories of healthy fat. Firstly, healthy saturated fat is right for your health. It is generally found in coconut oil and raw fermented dairy products, like yogurt or milk cheese. Avoid conventional dairy products because it dampens your testosterone. The other type of fat that your body needs is omega-3 fatty acids. You can readily consume chia seeds, Flaxseeds and walnuts to keep up the supply of vital omega-3s. Lastly, monounsaturated fats are also gainful in naturally hiking the level of testosterone. ● Use of Vitamin-D and other vitamin supplements: Another crucial nutrient to restore healthy testosterone levels is vitamin D3. In case of those suffering from vitamin D deficiency, it is absolutely necessary that you get out in the sun regularly in order to get your body detoxified and have the essential dose of Vitamin D. Herbs like ginseng benefit healthy testosterone levels, making it yet another natural testosterone booster. The best way to increase your vitamin-D levels is sun exposure. You only need 20-30 minutes of exposure to a large amount of skin. If your skin isn’t conditioned to this exposure, start slow walking with 10 minutes a day and gradually work up to 20-30 minutes. ● Figure out a Balanced Diet: It's apparent that having good eating habits is significantly essential when you need to keep your testosterone level rich and maintain your overall health. Low testosterone levels and overweight contributes to a variety of inflammatory conditions and impaired neurological function. Overeating and irregular dieting disrupt hormone levels. This effect is mostly observed in athletes and people who are very active. The best diets are those that include mostly whole foods and offer a healthy balance of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. A healthy and nutritious diet keeps all hormones levels in the body balanced and promotes optimal long-term health. ● Lower body fat and weight: It has been observed that lower body fat and weight loss help increase testosterone levels naturally. When you consider the effects of insulin resistance and poor sleeping habits has on testosterone, it really makes sense that it is all closely interlinked with obesity. Obese males tend to have 50% fewer testosterone levels than those who are not overweight. So basically, you need to cut out on processed sugars from your diet, which has links to insomnia, obesity, diabetes and a number of other hormone disorders. ● Heavy-weight Training: If you want to boost your testosterone level naturally, then this one of the best ways to do so for those who are physically capable of exercising at a gym. Hitting the gym for least three days a week and lifting heavy weights can do the job for you. Strength training helps in providing T-levels in your body so that you can overcome the deficiency of the growth hormone. Burst training not only boosts T-levels, but it also helps keeps your testosterone elevated and prevents its decline. Burst training involves exercising at 90–100 % of your maximum effort for a short interval in order to burn your body’s stored sugar (glycogen). Along with improving your T-levels, this way you can effectively burn between 3–9 times more fat, lower your resting heart rate, keep blood pressure in check and your brain young by increasing blood circulation. ● Review medication and detox liver: While prescription medications help manage a variety of health conditions, they are one of the most common reasons for low testosterone levels. Several medications used for lowering cholesterol may partially work by reducing testosterone. If you suspect your low testosterone is due to prescribed medications, you should bring these concerns to their doctor's attention. Your liver is very crucial to have effectively decent testosterone levels. An improperly functioning liver can take a severe hit on the amount of this hormone present in your body. Men with cirrhosis of the liver tend to lose testosterone level with the growing disease. So it is very vital that you have a healthy liver to keep up your testosterone level naturally. ● Practice deep breathing: Deep breathing helps in calming an overactive nervous system and relax the body. This lowers stress hormone and improves the production of sex hormones like testosterone that are needed for growth and repair. The best way to adopt this way is to do yoga exercises or carry out a simple exercise in a field involving deep breathing in and out for about thirty minutes a day. It will improve your respiratory system and supply fresh oxygen to your brain cells to rejuvenate the processing of thinking and release hormones in your body balancing out the requirements of testosterone by your body at an optimal level. ● Maintain Zinc and Magnesium levels: Make sure to balance out your zinc and magnesium levels. Both these nutrients are vital factors to testosterone production in your body. You can try out methods like using pumpkin seeds to deal with low levels of these elements in the body. Studies suggest that focusing on improving Magnesium level can have a significant impact on the net level of testosterone in a person. It has been observed that taking supplements for at least one month might increase testosterone in general. You need to carry out various thoughtful dietary changes to boost your level of magnesium and zinc deficiency. This can be done by including items lime dark leafy greens vegetables and whole grains in your regular diet. Zinc is also an ingredient in dark green vegetables, flax seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Creatine which occurs naturally in salmon, tuna, and beef has proved to be a reliable source of increasing testosterone. Advice: Those who are concerned about their testosterone levels should see their doctor. In case, you need a therapy it is always better to adopt natural ways as well to improve it. Read Also: 7 Healthy Habits That Make Us Look Younger Flexoplex Reviews: Is It The Best Joint Supplement Of 2019?

The Relationship between Temperature & Sleep

Summer 2019 is in full swing, which means hot days and warm nights. Temperature & Sleep has a close relationship with one another. While a nice sunny day is something that can be easily enjoyed in the shade and under an umbrella, sleeping in a room that is too hot at night is extremely uncomfortable and may affect your sleep! Below is some interesting information about how temperature affects your sleep. Assuming you’re a living, breathing human like me, your body temperature is higher during the day and then declines at night. The innate ability of your body to control internal temperature is through a process called “thermoregulation.” As you get ready to sleep, your body starts to cool down through this process. The process of cooling starts around 2:00 PM to prepare you for sleep and around 5:00 AM is the lowest body temperature your body will reach. Temperature & Sleep has a close relationship with one another. A cooler temperature is associated with sleep, while a higher temperature is wakefulness. This is super counterintuitive but even though you may feel like a slug in a warm environment, you could be able to actually get to sleep better in a cooler environment because our bodies cool down during the dream state. Keeping your body’s internal temperature lower while sleeping has been shown to support a longer and deeper quality of sleep. Cool temperature & sleep are co-related with one another. Your body starts to work overtime to cool itself when it becomes too hot. This is because the body associates heat with activity. Increased body temperature will alert your internal clock to be more awake and alert which disrupts all stages of REM sleep. Oppositely, cold comfort may deliver a better sleep. This is due to the fact that your body will be able to lower its internal temperature early in the sleep cycle. So you may want to think twice before you load up with all those comfy and fluffy blankets that we all love so much! Research shows that 60 to 65 degrees is the ideal sleeping temperature and anything higher or lower than this ideal range can make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Additionally, varying temperatures outside of the ideal sleeping temperature seem to cause our bodies to struggle to reach the ideal body temperature for sleep. A Dutch study from 2008 evaluated this phenomenon by hooking up participants to thermostats and found that very small changes in temperature could prove useful to manage disturbed sleeping patterns. The benefits of sleeping in a cool room include falling asleep quickly, promoting anti-aging, and reducing stress levels. Cold bedrooms can promote the increase in melatonin, which regulates all of the body and governs many of the body’s immune, cardiovascular, microbiome, metabolic, psychological, and detox functions. In order to catch the best and most restful snooze, you might need to send the right messages to your body that it’s time to go to sleep by keeping a cool environment in the hours that lead up to sleep. Try out some of the following simple solutions to prepare yourself for a nice night’s sleep: Try to allow your body time to adjust and prepare for sleep. Make sure you give your body two to three hours before bed to start to cool down. A hot shower seems to be ideal when taken two to three hours before bed. Make a good investment in your bed, fur blanket, and be sure to keep it clean. Natural materials are best and are most likely to keep you comfortable. Make sure you keep your hands and feet warm. Keep your bedroom at roughly 65 degrees. In addition, there are several wonderful sleep gadgets out there to help make sure your bedroom is an oasis and you’re ready for sleep. Check out this article to learn more about various sleep gadgets that may be able to help regulate your bed temperature. Gadgets could be a great way to start improving other aspects of your sleep that you may be experiencing trouble with! So all in all, Summer 2019 might be about catching some rays and working up a sweat on the beach, but once you get back inside starting to cool off for the rest of the night might be your best bet to feel refreshed and energized for the next day. It seems as though the temperature has an important effect on sleep. Try to take a look back at your most recent sleeping patterns and see if your rest is being disturbed by the temperature of your room. Perhaps start a Temperature & sleep journal to keep track by writing a blog entry about your last sleep in the morning. We all could use a better-shut eye at the end of the day! Read Also: How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer Ways To Sleep Well At Night As You Age 3 Health Advantages Of Good Night’s Sleep

9 Essential Tips For Post-Sinus Surgery Recovery In Houston

Sinus surgery can be a life-changing procedure for chronic sinus issues. However, recovery is crucial for ensuring optimal results and minimal discomfort. If you've recently undergone sinus surgery in Houston, Texas, or are planning to do so, understanding how to navigate the postoperative period is essential. Explore nine essential tips to help you recover smoothly. 1. Follow Your Surgeon's Instructions: Your sinus and snoring specialist in Houston will provide personalized post-operative instructions based on the specifics of your surgery. This guidance may include details about medication schedules, wound care techniques, and activity restrictions. Following these instructions diligently is paramount for a successful recovery. Your surgeon's expertise and recommendations are tailored to optimize your healing process and minimize the risk of complications. Adhering to their guidance can promote faster healing and improve your overall outcome. 2. Take Rest Seriously: After sinus surgery, your body needs ample time to recuperate and heal. While it's natural to feel eager to resume your regular activities, prioritizing rest is crucial during the initial stages of recovery. Avoid strenuous physical exertion and heavy lifting, as these activities can strain your healing tissues and impede recovery. Instead, allocate sufficient time for rest, allowing your body to redirect its energy towards tissue repair and regeneration. You can facilitate a smoother and more expedited recovery by honoring your body's need for rest. 3. Keep Your Head Elevated: Maintaining an elevated head position is key to minimizing post-operative swelling and promoting optimal drainage of nasal secretions. Whether resting or sleeping, ensure your head remains elevated above your heart level. Utilize additional pillows or invest in a specialized wedge pillow to achieve a comfortable angle. Elevating your head can alleviate discomfort, reduce nasal congestion, and enhance overall breathing comfort. This simple yet effective strategy supports healing and contributes to a more comfortable recovery experience. 4. Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for supporting your body's healing mechanisms and optimizing recovery following sinus surgery. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your nasal passages moist and facilitate the clearance of mucus and debris. Opt for plain water or non-caffeinated beverages, as caffeinated and alcoholic drinks can contribute to dehydration and nasal irritation. Maintaining proper hydration levels can promote tissue healing, prevent post-operative complications, and enhance overall well-being throughout the recovery period. 5. Use Nasal Irrigation: Nasal irrigation, also known as nasal saline or nasal lavage, is beneficial for promoting nasal hygiene and accelerating post-operative recovery. Your sinus surgeon may recommend a saline solution or provide you with a nasal irrigation kit for home use. You can gently flush your nasal passages with a saline solution to remove excess mucus, blood, and debris, reducing congestion and promoting optimal healing. As your surgeon directs, incorporate nasal irrigation into your daily routine to maintain clear nasal passages and support a speedy recovery. 6. Avoid Blowing Your Nose: Following sinus surgery, you must refrain from blowing your nose forcefully, as this can disrupt delicate healing tissues and increase the risk of complications. Instead, adopt gentle nasal hygiene practices, such as dabbing or wiping away nasal discharge with soft tissues. If you experience the urge to sneeze, do so with your mouth open to minimize pressure within the nasal cavity. By avoiding forceful blowing and adopting gentle nasal care techniques, you can safeguard your delicate nasal tissues and promote optimal healing in the postoperative period. Read Also: From Gym To Workplace: A Complete Guide To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle 7. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments with your sinus and snoring specialist in Houston are integral to your post-operative care plan. These appointments allow your surgeon to assess your progress, monitor healing, and address any emerging concerns or questions you may have. Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments can give you personalized guidance, adjustments to your treatment plan as needed, and reassurance regarding your recovery trajectory. Open communication with your surgeon ensures that any issues or complications can be promptly identified and addressed, promoting a smooth and successful recovery journey. 8. Gradually Resume Activities: As your recovery progresses, it's natural to feel eager to resume your normal activities and routines. However, it's essential to approach activity resumption gradually and cautiously to avoid undue strain or setbacks. Begin with light activities such as short walks or household chores, gradually increasing the intensity and duration as tolerated. Listen to your body's cues and avoid pushing yourself beyond your comfort level. Steer clear of activities that involve bending over or straining, as these actions can increase pressure within the sinuses and hinder the healing process. By gradually reintroducing activities into your routine, you can safely regain your strength and stamina while supporting optimal healing. 9. Listen To Your Body: It's crucial to tune in to your body's signals throughout the recovery process and respond accordingly. Pay close attention to any changes or symptoms you experience, such as increasing pain, swelling, or nasal congestion. If you notice any concerning signs or symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your sinus surgeon for guidance and assistance. Trust your instincts and prioritize your health and well-being above all else. By advocating for yourself and seeking prompt medical attention when needed, you can ensure that any issues or complications are addressed promptly, facilitating a smoother and more successful recovery from sinus surgery. Conclusion: Navigating the post-sinus surgery recovery process in Houston, Texas, requires careful attention and adherence to expert guidance. Individuals undergoing recovery are encouraged to prioritize self-care and follow their surgeon's recommendations for optimal healing. These nine essential tips are valuable guidelines to minimize discomfort and promote a smooth recovery journey. For those needing specialized care from a sinus and snoring specialist or allergy treatment in Houston, there are reputable clinics, including the Houston Allergy Clinic, offering expert services and personalized treatment options. Prospective patients can explore these options by scheduling an appointment with a trusted provider. To begin your journey to better sinus health today, visit this website and schedule an appointment. Read Also: 8 Awesome Health Benefits Of Dark Chocolate Ways To Balance Your Life With Healthy Hearing The Diet To Follow For A Healthy Gut

Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression?

Different Reasons Of Sleep Dis-orders & Depression Are As Follows:-