Depression: Causes and Its Impact on

Performance, Livelihood, and Well-being

1. Introduction
Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder that
affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent
sadness, lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities,
and a range of emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with
daily functioning. Unlike temporary feelings of sadness or grief,
clinical depression is more intense and lasts longer, often requiring
medical or psychological intervention. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), more than 280 million people globally suffer
from depression. It can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds
and often coexists with other health conditions such as anxiety, heart
disease, and substance use disorders.
Depression is not a sign of weakness or a character flaw. It is a
legitimate medical condition that needs to be understood and treated
with compassion, professionalism, and urgency. Left untreated,
depression can severely impair personal relationships, academic or
work performance, economic productivity, and general well-being.
2. Causes of Depression
 Depression has a multifactorial origin, involving a combination
of biological, psychological, and environmental factors.
Understanding the root causes is essential for effective
prevention and treatment.
2.1 Biological and Medical Factors
 Genetics: Individuals with a family history of depression are
more likely to develop it themselves. Certain genes are linked to
the regulation of mood and neurotransmitter activity.
 Neurochemical Imbalance: Depression is associated with
changes in neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine, which affect mood and emotional regulation.
 Hormonal Changes: Imbalances in hormones due to conditions
such as thyroid disorders, menopause, or postpartum changes
can trigger depression.
  Medical Illnesses: Chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer,
HIV/AIDS, and cardiovascular diseases can cause or worsen
depression, especially when combined with chronic pain or
physical disability.
2.2 Psychological Factors
 Trauma and Abuse: Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual
abuse, particularly during formative years, increases the risk of
depression.
 Negative Thinking Patterns: Pessimism, low self-esteem, and a
distorted self-image can lead to or exacerbate depressive
symptoms.
 Grief and Loss: The death of a loved one, divorce, or the end of
a significant relationship can lead to prolonged mourning that
may develop into clinical depression.
2.3 Social and Environmental Factors
o Poverty and Financial Instability: Living in poverty or
experiencing unemployment can result in feelings of
hopelessness and despair.
o Isolation and Loneliness: Lack of social interaction and
supportive relationships can increase vulnerability to depression.
o Substance Abuse: Alcohol and drug misuse can alter brain
chemistry and contribute to depression.
o Stressful Life Events: Academic pressure, work overload,
relocation, and major life transitions can act as triggers.
3. Effects of Depression
 Depression can have profound and widespread effects on
various aspects of life. These include performance in school or
work, the ability to earn a living, and general well-being.
3.1 Impact on Performance
 Academic Performance:
 Reduced ability to concentrate, focus, and retain information.
 Decreased motivation to study or complete assignments.
 Increased absenteeism, poor participation, and risk of dropping
out.
  Negative impact on self-confidence and future aspirations.
 Workplace Performance:
 Lowered productivity and efficiency.
 Difficulty in making decisions and solving problems.
 Poor time management and frequent procrastination.
 Strained workplace relationships and increased conflict.
 Increased absenteeism, presenteeism (being physically present
but unproductive), and job loss.
 Example: An individual who was once a top-performing student
or employee may begin to miss deadlines, make careless errors,
or isolate themselves from group activities.
3.2 Impact on Livelihood
 Financial Security:
 Inability to maintain steady employment leads to income loss.
 Higher medical expenses due to therapy, medication, or
hospitalization.
 Difficulty managing daily expenses and planning for the future.
 Economic Dependency:
 Increased dependence on family members, friends, or social
welfare programs.
 In cases of severe depression, individuals may be unable to
work at all, leading to a complete loss of financial autonomy.
 Productivity in Informal Sectors:
 For those in farming, trading, or small-scale businesses,
depression can impair decision-making, reduce work capacity,
and lead to mismanagement of resources.
 Example: A market trader suffering from depression may lose
interest in maintaining inventory, engaging customers, or even
showing up at their stand, leading to significant income loss.
3.3 Impact on Well-being
 Emotional and Mental Health:
 Persistent sadness, irritability, hopelessness, and suicidal
thoughts.
 Emotional numbness or detachment from loved ones.
 Feelings of guilt, shame, and worthlessness.
  Physical Health:
 Disruption in sleep patterns (insomnia or oversleeping).
 Appetite changes (leading to weight loss or gain).
 Chronic fatigue, headaches, or body aches with no clear
physical cause.
 Social Health:
 Withdrawal from social interactions and community activities.
 Strained relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
 Increased risk of substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
 Risk of Suicide:
 Depression is a major risk factor for suicidal ideation and
attempts.
 Warning signs include withdrawal, giving away possessions,
self-harm, or expressing a desire to die.
 According to WHO, more than 700,000 people die by suicide
annually, and depression is one of the leading causes.
4. Conclusion
 Depression is not merely a personal problem—it is a public
health challenge. Its effects reach beyond the individual,
influencing families, communities, and the broader economy.
Without intervention, depression can impair one’s ability to
succeed academically or professionally, destabilize their
livelihood, and erode every dimension of personal well-being.
 Addressing depression requires a holistic and multi-layered
approach that involves education, early detection, community
support, medical intervention, and governmental involvement.
5. Recommendations
 Mental Health Education: Integrate mental health awareness in
schools and workplaces.
 Access to Services: Ensure affordable and accessible
psychological and medical care.
 Support Systems: Promote peer support groups and counseling
services.
 Anti-Stigma Campaigns: Reduce stigma through public
education and media advocacy.
  Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: Encourage physical exercise, good
nutrition, and stress-relief activities.
 Government Involvement: Allocate funding and create policies
supporting mental health services and job reintegration
programs.
6. Final Thought
 "Mental health is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Supporting those
with depression is not only an act of compassion but an
investment in a healthier, more productive society."
 Let us work together to ensure that every person battling
depression gets the support, understanding, and care they need
to reclaim their life, purpose, and dignity.