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Annotated Bibliography: The Causes of Depression

Gale. “Depression | Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology - Credo Reference.”

Search.credoreference.com,search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galegp/depression/

0. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

The article entitled “Depression” delves into the different nature of this condition. Depression is

described as an emotional state marked by feelings of lethargy, hopelessness, and sadness among

other symptoms (Gale). The article notes that the term “depression” can denote a syndrome, a

symptom, or mood. It notes that the rates of major depression for American adults escalated from

3.33% to 7.06% between 1991 and 2002 (Gale). Furthermore, the article delves into the global

prevalence of depression, with at least 5% of the world’s population affected. It notes that

depression can arise from an interplay of physical, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research is cited indicating that some individuals are genetically predisposed to depression. The

article scrutinizes the association between depression and modifications in brain chemistry, such

as disturbances in the balance and operation of neurotransmitters (Gale). It delves into an array

of life events that can trigger depression, encompassing physical illness and developmental

traumas. The article delves into diverse theories of depression, including learned helplessness

and cognitive theories. This article provides a comprehensive examination of depression, delving

into its origins and diverse expressions. It accentuates the standards for clinical depression as

delineated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and explores

the intricacies of major depression, including the risk of suicide (Gale).

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Paykel, Eugene S. “Basic Concepts of Depression.” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, vol. 10,

no. 3, Apr. 2022, pp. 279–89, https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2008.10.3/espaykel.

In this intriguing article, Eugene S. Paykel delves into the history and categorization of

depression, providing a comprehensive overview of its fundamental concepts. (Paykel)

commences by retracing the progression of the concept of melancholia and its transformation

over time to encompass all forms of subdued insanity. He then explores the inception of defined

standards in official diagnostic schemes and the contemporary segregation of depression into

bipolar and unipolar disorder. (Paykel) proceeds to scrutinize the distinctions between neurotic

and psychotic depression, as well as between reactive and endogenous depression, accentuating

the various elements that can contribute to the onset and severity of depressive symptoms. His

analysis offers a detailed understanding of the complexity of depression, going beyond simple

classifications to examine the shades of this mental health condition. In the article, (Paykel)

draws from a clinical experience and a wealth of research to provide insights into the latest

advancements in depression research. By giving an informative overview of the fundamental

concepts of depression, Paykel’s article serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to

deepen their knowledge of this intricate and often misunderstood mental health issue.

Simon, Rachel. "I Didn't Know I Had Depression Until it Hit Me for the Second Time." Gale

Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, part of Cengage Group, 2020.

Rachel Simon, a writer for Teen Vogue, reflects on her journey with depression from her college

years to adulthood. She vividly recalls her initial encounter with the illness, during which she

was in a state of denial and attributed her discontent to being at the wrong university. Continuing

to suffer from depression as an adult, (Simon) describes her symptoms and compares the

circumstances to those of her first experience with depression. (Simon) resolves to address her
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feelings but worries that she does not have the tools to overcome the problem. (Simon) reflects

on how she denied being depressed during her college years, choosing to focus on surface-level

issues instead of addressing the underlying emotional issues. She acknowledges that moving to a

new environment can help but highlights that it is different from healing. The author is

concerned that people must be willing to acknowledge that they are in need of help for treatment

to be effective.

Stern, Caryl. "Why Depression Is a Silent Killer." Parade, 28 Sept. 1997, pp. 4-5.

The author highlights the concerning increase in suicide attempts among elder Americans and

explores the reasons behind it. Several factors can contribute to suicidal thoughts in the elderly,

such as grief, feeling like a burden, or physical health issues. According to (Stern), In 1995, a

study found that around 24,000 older adults aged 65 and over attempted suicide, with over 6,000

succeeding. However, up to 90% of older adults who die by suicide had clinical depression,

which is often undiagnosed in this age group due to lack of awareness or embarrassment (Stern).

One 75-year-old woman described depression as feeling like being dead. The article also points

out that white men make up 80% of elderly individuals who commit suicide, with the majority

using firearms as their method. In nursing homes, some residents choose to end their lives by

refusing food or medication. Suicide leaves a lasting scar on survivors, as Senator Harry Reid

from Nevada's experience indicates (Stern). He conducted Senate hearings on elderly suicide and

testified that his father's suicide had a tremendous impact on him.

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Wiginton, Keri. “Nothing Worked for My Depression - until I Tried Meditation.” Chicago

Tribune, 26 Feb. 2018, www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/health/ct-depression-

meditation-20180226-story.html. Accessed 23 Apr. 2023.

Keri Wiginton, a journalist and photographer, shares her lifelong struggle with depression and

anxiety, and how she found relief through meditation. (Wiginton) reveals that despite being

moderately depressed her whole life, she only sought professional help during her final year of

high school, after experiencing crying spells, paranoia, and being diagnosed with irritable bowel

syndrome. She was diagnosed with clinical depression and suggested medication but hesitated to

take it. (Wiginton) managed without medication in college, but anxiety worsened when she

started her career as a newspaper photojournalist, and depression set in like a virus. Efforts at

positive lifestyle changes, exercise, and socializing did not make a difference, and talk therapy

was not helpful either (Wiginton). Medication only eased her depressive episodes, but she found

side effects intolerable. Finally, She turned to meditation and found relief. She began with the

Headspace app and meditated every day, eventually feeling a shift in her thinking and becoming

more aware of her thoughts. Through meditation, (Wiginton) gained more control over her

negative thought loops and found a sense of peace. Wiginton's personal story emphasizes the

growing body of research that supports the use of mindfulness techniques for preventing

depression relapse.