@katiedimartin I already know that this will not be posted in order like I want it to be but the info is here and you can find more information from research online. Speaking to the right professional is also supported.
@katiedimartin Depression causes an extreme lack of motivation as well as energy. You may be tired all the time, and feel as though you don't want to or can't carry out daily tasks. This leads to neglect, whether that be neglect to ones self or others around you...
@katiedimartin I believe it also helps regulate mood and motivation so the longer depression goes untreated, the harder it is to bounce back due to this shrinkage in the brain. It's best to seek help as soon as possible. Medications help but being aware of outside contributors is also important
@katiedimartin The hippocampus is known to be responsible for memory formation and the keeping of such memories. This is why people with depression often have trouble remembering certain events
@katiedimartin Oh and as far as what affects these deficiencies all depends on the person. It could be genetic, but it could also be environmental such as stress, chronic pain and nutritional deficiencies. Over time depression can lead to shrinkage in part of the brain (the hippocampus)...
@katiedimartin Serotonin and dopamine are both neurotransmitters. These are chemical messengers that carry signals from one neuron to the next target cell which can affect mood, digestion and sleep. So they don't just affect mood, they affect everything in the body as a whole.
@katiedimartin ...so as far as I know, depression starts due to an imbalance of serotonin and dopamine input in the brain. Hence why you hear about "chemical imbalances" and how it can cause a number of mental illnesses...