Depression Vulnerability Factors and How to Avoid Them
Written by Cristo Rogers, Posted on
10 Reasons Why Some of Us Are So Vulnerable to Depression
Every man, woman, and child on this earth are at risk of developing a depressive disorder. Let's face it; depression is a part of life, inherent to the human condition - and whether we like to admit it or not, we've all been affected by it at one time or another.
Like an unwanted and stubborn squatter, depression can manifest in the mind of a person without their consent or knowledge. What's more, and perhaps, even more troublesome, is that depression refuses to discriminate as it is known to affect all people, from all different walks of life. It's true; we are all potential victims of depression's unwanted and prolonged visits. However, there are those who seem to be more susceptible to depression than others, causing many to ask, "why me?"
So, what makes people more inclined to become depressed than others? Experts say that in many instances, it is a person's attitudes and erroneous beliefs that are to blame. These faulty behavioral and mental mindsets are known as, 'vulnerability' factors. The more vulnerability factors a person has, the more likely they are to develop depression.
The following article provides a list of ten vulnerability factors that put a person at risk of developing mild to severe depression. If you are among the millions of chronically depressed, avoiding these vulnerability factors are the key to helping you overcome your unwelcomed depression.
To continue reading, please click the link below:
People’s thoughts and attitudes explain why some develop depression following stressful life events. The following list provides an overview of various vulnerability factors that put a person at risk for developing depression. There are indications that these distorted beliefs precede the initial onset of depression. Thus, improving faulty thinking may help to prevent depressive mood.
1. Learned helplessness.
This thinking pattern suggests that individuals come to believe that they have no power over events in their own lives. These individuals are passive and believe that they cannot do anything to relieve their suffering.
2. Being stuck in negative thoughts.
Depressed individuals are prone to ruminate (link is external)on negative thoughts. Unfortunately, this tends to maintain or amplify negative thinking. For example, the thoughts of someone suffering from depression following a bitter divorce might take the form of regret (“I should have been a better spouse”), and anxiety about the future (“How will the kids deal with it?”). The urge to repetitively think about the causes and consequences of the event may prevent depressed people from using effective coping strategies.
