{"id":35656,"date":"2020-10-24T18:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-10-24T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.staging4.blunt-therapy.com\/?p=22193---0825513a-9602-4d29-88c7-bf74a1f0b137"},"modified":"2021-12-07T08:20:56","modified_gmt":"2021-12-07T13:20:56","slug":"hidden-causes-of-depression","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Hidden Causes of Depression (That Medication Won&#8217;t Fix)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#What_Youll_Learn_In_This_Post\" title=\"What You&#8217;ll Learn In This Post\">What You&#8217;ll Learn In This Post<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#What_Is_Major_Depressive_Disorder\" title=\"What Is Major Depressive Disorder?\">What Is Major Depressive Disorder?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#How_Common_Is_Depression\" title=\"How Common Is Depression?\">How Common Is Depression?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#7_Hidden_Causes_of_Depression\" title=\"7 Hidden Causes of Depression\">7 Hidden Causes of Depression<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#1_You_Have_Toxic_Belief_Systems\" title=\"1. You Have Toxic Belief Systems\">1. You Have Toxic Belief Systems<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#2_Your_Diet_is_Making_You_Fat_Depressed_and_Miserable\" title=\"2. Your Diet is Making You Fat, Depressed, and Miserable.\">2. Your Diet is Making You Fat, Depressed, and Miserable.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#3_You_Dont_Get_Enough_Exercise\" title=\"3. You Don\u2019t Get Enough Exercise\">3. You Don\u2019t Get Enough Exercise<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#4_You_Work_at_a_Job_You_Hate\" title=\"4. You Work at a Job You Hate\">4. You Work at a Job You Hate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#5_You_Have_Toxic_and_Unhealthy_Relationships\" title=\"5. You Have Toxic and Unhealthy Relationships\">5. You Have Toxic and Unhealthy Relationships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#6_You_Dont_Contribute_To_Society\" title=\"6. You Don\u2019t Contribute To Society\">6. You Don\u2019t Contribute To Society<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#7_You_Feel_Disconnected_From_Your_World\" title=\"7. You Feel Disconnected From Your World\">7. You Feel Disconnected From Your World<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#Final_Thoughts\" title=\"Final Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hidden-causes-of-depression\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t know about you, but I&#8217;ve struggled with clinical depression for more than 25 years. It is a mean-spirited and nasty little cuss of a disorder. Depression has cost me friendships, job opportunities, even a marriage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re reading this, I&#8217;ll bet you can relate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hidden-causes-of-depression.jpg\" alt=\"7  hidden Causes of Depression (That Medication Won't Fix)\" class=\"wp-image-35705 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/hidden-causes-of-depression.jpg\" alt=\"7  hidden Causes of Depression (That Medication Won't Fix)\" class=\"wp-image-35705 lazyload\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>7<br>7 Hidden Causes of Depression (That Medication Won&#8217;t Fix)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the worst things about depression is how poorly understood it is by the public. This includes the folks in your life who are trying to support you. And yes, even the people who suffer from it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, if you ask anyone what the causes of depression are, you\u2019ll probably get a bunch of different answers. Have you ever heard any of these before?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Well actually, <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/hard-lessons-about-fighting-depression\/\" title=\"clinical depression\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">clinical depression<\/a> is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.<\/li><li>No, it&#8217;s actually a reaction to childhood trauma.<\/li><li>The real culprit is how you think about things. Negativity makes you depressed.<\/li><li>It&#8217;s a genetic trait, like hair color. You&#8217;re just born with it. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some will even tell you that it\u2019s just something you have to \u201cget over,\u201d like it&#8217;s a cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All these competing theories a big problem, too. They increase the chance of you getting bad advice about how to effectively deal with your depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, who\u2019s right? Who\u2019s wrong?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The truth is, they\u2019re all right. And they\u2019re all wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Youll_Learn_In_This_Post\"><\/span><strong>What You&#8217;ll Learn In This Post<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We need to have a honest conversation about the hidden causes of depression. Because if you want to manage your depression, you need to know where it&#8217;s coming from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And while I can&#8217;t tell you the specific source of your depression, I can expose some of the more common culprits. You see, every day I see clients who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. And every day, I hear the same things day in and day out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But before we get into all that, let&#8217;s all get on the same page about depression. We&#8217;ll start by defining the term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Major Depressive Disorder\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MZ5r99SBLrs?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Major Depressive Disorder: More Than Just the Blues. Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Major_Depressive_Disorder\"><\/span><strong>What Is Major Depressive Disorder?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-is-depression\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Major Depressive Disorder<\/a> is the clinical term for depression. It\u2019s a baffling and dangerous condition that causes persistent feelings of sadness, depressed mood, and a loss of interest in activities that you once found pleasurable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It warps your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. In short, depression impairs your ability to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdcalc.com\/dsm-5-criteria-major-depressive-disorder\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"DSM5 (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">DSM5<\/a>, the following symptoms are commonly associated with Major Depression:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Feelings of emptiness, worthlessness, or hopelessness<\/li><li>Irritability, anger, and frustration, even over insignificant matters<\/li><li>Loss of interest in most activities, such as sex or hobbies<\/li><li>Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much<\/li><li>Lack of energy and fatigue<\/li><li>Weight loss or weight gain<\/li><li>Psychomotor agitation or retardation<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-causes-panic-attacks\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Anxiety and restlessness<\/a><\/li><li>Trouble thinking, concentrating, and remembering things<\/li><li>Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/suicide-in-the-united-states\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">suicide attempts<\/a><\/li><li>Unexplained somatic (physical) problems, such as back pain or headaches<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp Depression Quiz\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp-depression-quiz\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\"><strong>If you think you might be depressed, take this free quiz from BetterHelp.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Common_Is_Depression\"><\/span><strong>How Common Is Depression?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, Major Depressive Disorder affects <a href=\"https:\/\/adaa.org\/about-adaa\/press-room\/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\">more than 16 million adults<\/a>.&nbsp;It accounts for two-thirds of all <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/suicide-in-the-united-states\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">suicides&nbsp;<\/a>and is the number one cause of disability and disability claims. It also costs businesses over <strong>100 billion dollars <\/strong>annually in terms of lost productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s an indirect factor in a host of other problems as well, including failing marriages, domestic violence, absenteeism at work, poor school performance, child abuse, and <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/i-have-a-problem-with-alcohol\/\" title=\"alcoholism\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">alcoholism<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The worst part?&nbsp;<strong>Major Depressive Disorder is becoming more common, not less.<\/strong>&nbsp;Nationwide,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/suicide-in-the-united-states\/\" target=\"_blank\">the number of people attempting or completing suicide is increasing, not decreasing<\/a>. The economic burden of depression is growing heavier, not lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Hidden_Causes_of_Depression\"><\/span>7 Hidden Causes of Depression<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Medications help, but they\u2019re only part of the story. If you\u2019ve been treated for Major Depressive Disorder and you\u2019re still depressed, it is often a result of one or more of the following 7 things:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"What are the real causes of Depression\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_8dMYOk99SY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>What are the real causes of Depression? Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0cb1\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_You_Have_Toxic_Belief_Systems\"><\/span>1. You Have Toxic Belief Systems<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s time for a cold hard truth. Your beliefs are causing you major problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m not talking about <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/distorted-thinking-and-cognitive-distortions\/\" title=\"your thoughts\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">your thoughts<\/a>, which are often fleeting. You\u2019re also aware of them, which makes them easier to dispute, especially with professional help<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beliefs, on the other hand, are <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/a-therapists-guide-to-cognitive-distortions\/\">a different kind of animal<\/a>. Often we don\u2019t even realize they exist in the first place. Even less often do we feel the need to challenge them. Yet there they are, exerting an enormous amount of influence on our mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Beliefs are convictions that the ideas we have in our head are true.&nbsp;<\/strong>We all have them. Most are harmless. But many are not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The thing about belief systems is that they skew our perception of reality \u2014 of ourselves, of other people, of the world in which we live. And if you\u2019re still depressed, you need to examine yours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\">If you grow up in an abusive home<\/a>, you\u2019ll likely grow up with several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/a-therapists-guide-to-cognitive-distortions\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">self-defeating belief systems<\/a>, most of which are rooted in fear. Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>People can\u2019t be trusted.<\/li><li>The world is unsafe.<\/li><li>God has abandoned me.<\/li><li>I will be betrayed.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>We don\u2019t talk enough about the dangers of belief systems. Beliefs, after all, are sacred. To question a person\u2019s beliefs is to invite scorn and anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But toxic belief systems are the foundation of many mental illnesses, including depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think.jpg\" alt=\"do not believe everything you think\" class=\"wp-image-30781 lazyload\" width=\"432\" height=\"576\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think.jpg\" alt=\"do not believe everything you think\" class=\"wp-image-30781 lazyload\" width=\"432\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think.jpg 864w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think-94x125.jpg 94w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think-150x200.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/do-not-believe-everything-you-think-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Don&#8217;t Believe Everything You Think!<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you are still depressed, you simply must be willing to challenge your beliefs.&nbsp;<\/strong>All of them. Political. Social. Self. Interpersonal. Religious. Leave no stone unturned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a64f\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Your_Diet_is_Making_You_Fat_Depressed_and_Miserable\"><\/span>2. Your Diet is Making You Fat, Depressed, and Miserable.<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Americans have a dysfunctional relationship with food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can\u2019t help it. We\u2019ve been bombarded with advertisements about junk food since we were in diapers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, is an unhealthy diet the reason you\u2019re still depressed? Not entirely. But it\u2019s definitely not helping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/7-incredible-benefits-of-the-keto-diet\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Check out this article I wrote on the mental health benefits of Keto Diets.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The research about the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-is-the-brain-gut-connection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">relationship between gut bacteria and mental&nbsp;<\/a>health is clear. What we eat affects how we feel. If you want to steer clear from depression, you need to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthline.com\/nutrition\/worst-foods-for-your-brain\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">watch out for the following<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Processed foods;<\/li><li>Soft drinks of any kind;<\/li><li>Simple carbohydrates (anything with sugar, including fruit);<\/li><li>Refined carbohydrates such as flour and white bread;<\/li><li>Alcohol<\/li><li>Foods high in trans fats (e.g., fast food);<\/li><li>Aspartame (an artificial sweetener found in things like Diet Coke).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You have to make a choice. Do you want to feel better, or do you want to eat junk?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t eat junk food and expect to feel better. That is literally a case of having your cake and eating it too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stick to lean meats, nuts and legumes, multi-grain bread, vegetables, and \u201cgood fats\u201d such as the kind found in cheese. Use depression-fighting herbs like <a aria-label=\"turmeric  (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/lyfebotanicals.com\/health\/turmeric-benefits\/\" target=\"_blank\">turmeric <\/a>when you prepare foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And water. Drink lots and lots of water. It should be the main liquid you consume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f0f8ff\"><strong><em>Author\u2019s Note:&nbsp;Talk with your doctor before making any changes to your diet)<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"d918\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_You_Dont_Get_Enough_Exercise\"><\/span>3. You Don\u2019t Get Enough Exercise<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Depressed people don\u2019t exercise. This is not a coincidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As with diet, the research on depression and exercise is clear. It helps.&nbsp;<em>A lot.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Low-impact cardiovascular exercise helps boost your mood.&nbsp;<\/strong>Of course, there is nothing wrong with lifting weights provided you are physically able to do so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The point here, though, is that you don\u2019t have to spend two hours in the gym every day.&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scientificamerican.com\/article\/regular-walking-can-help-ease-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\">Twenty minutes of brisk walking<\/a>&nbsp;every day will do the job just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"Treating Depression with Exercise and Diet\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4q06DGNijn8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>Treating Depression with Exercise and Diet. Courtesy, YouTube.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If that\u2019s too much, start at three times a week and work your way up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s tough to exercise when you feel like you have no energy. Your bed is so inviting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>But depression lies. Convincingly and with gusto.<\/strong>&nbsp;Don\u2019t listen to it. It will tell you to do things that will keep you sick. Isolate. Avoid exercise. Eat junk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t listen to a word it says. If you are still depressed,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/proven-ways-to-reduce-stress\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"> you need to start moving.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To be blunt \u2014 you can lie on the couch all day and feel terrible or you can commit to an exercise plan and reap the rewards of doing so. What you can\u2019t do is lie on the couch all day and expect your mood to change. It won\u2019t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"a0ac\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_You_Work_at_a_Job_You_Hate\"><\/span>4. You Work at a Job You Hate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps your job is tedious and boring. Maybe you hate your boss. It might be a case of low pay and poor benefits. It could be high-stress. It could be a toxic work culture. If I\u2019m being honest, your attitude might suck, too. It\u2019s probably a combination of these things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Either way, you are faced with a choice. Stay sick, or make a change. There is no third option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it is true that searching for jobs can be nerve-wracking and stressful, it is also true that the dynamics at work that you hate will never, ever change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let me caution you, though, that you might actually be the problem. If your attitude needs an adjustment, you\u2019ll be unhappy no matter where you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It might not be your attitude. Perhaps you take things personally. Perhaps you have poor boundaries. Perhaps you lack social skills. Whatever the reason, look inward and work on yourself. As with some of these other points, it\u2019s best to enlist the services of a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/review-of-betterhelp-online-counseling\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">licensed mental health professional<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cd02\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_You_Have_Toxic_and_Unhealthy_Relationships\"><\/span>5. You Have Toxic and Unhealthy Relationships<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People tend to seek <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\" title=\"therapy\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">therapy<\/a> in order to deal with people in their lives that should be in therapy but refuse to go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-relationship-traits\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Relationships<\/a> are, without a doubt, the biggest source of frustration, anxiety, and depression in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Life is nothing but <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\" title=\"relationships\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">relationships<\/a>. You have one with your partner. You have one with your kids. You have one with your boss, your neighbor, your pastor, your friends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People exert enormous influence on one another. Healthy people tend to promote healthiness and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-gray-rock-method-a-narcissist\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">toxic people<\/a> tend to promote toxicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"6 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Shouldnt Ignore | BetterHelp\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8vhx2hlko28?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption>6 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship You Shouldn&#8217;t Ignore. Courtesy, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"BetterHelp Depression Quiz\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/betterhelp-depression-quiz\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">BetterHelp<\/a>.<br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a moment to think about the most influential people in your lives. With whom do you spend the most time? Whom do you listen to most? How many of them add value to your life? How many of them drag you down?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Family members are some of the worst offenders. People tend to have a never-say-die attitude about family, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/toxic-parenting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">toxic family dynamics<\/a>&nbsp;are a huge causal factor in the development of Major Depressive Disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s harsh, but we often have to change the way we prioritize family members in our lives. We don\u2019t have a choice. You can\u2019t expect to interact with toxic people and have them not affect your mood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s just unrealistic. If you\u2019ve tried medication and you\u2019re still depressed, take a good look at your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/relationships\/\">relationships<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"e73c\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_You_Dont_Contribute_To_Society\"><\/span>6. You Don\u2019t Contribute To Society<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Altruism is the selfless concern for the well-being of others. It\u2019s why people volunteer at homeless shelters and teach Sunday School.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research<\/a>&nbsp;shows that acts of altruism (e.g., volunteering) are extraordinarily beneficial for your own mental health. It reduces stress and improves physical health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The bottom line? People who contribute to society feel better about themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People need purpose. We need to feel like we matter. Volunteering and service work meet that need in a way that work often cannot. Depression makes people feel helpless, worthless, and hopeless. Go and volunteer if you\u2019re still depressed. Go show your depression that it\u2019s wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that leads me to my final point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"d97d\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_You_Feel_Disconnected_From_Your_World\"><\/span>7. You Feel Disconnected From Your World<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether it is real or perceived, loneliness, isolation, and disconnection are often the reason you\u2019re still depressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The foundation of everything from <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/how-to-help-an-addict\/\" title=\"drug addiction\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">drug addiction<\/a> and alcoholism to major depression is disconnection. Humans are social animals. We are not meant to live in isolation. We need connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you feel alone? Misunderstood? Cast aside? Abandoned?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what disconnection feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you isolate? Do you self-medicate with food or drugs? Do you avoid social situations and are you plagued by thoughts of suicide?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what disconnection feels like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Suicide is the ultimate form of disconnection. Perhaps that\u2019s why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/people-who-are-broken\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">so many depressed people<\/a> consider suicide as an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t underestimate the importance of this point. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/when-your-brain-tries-to-kill-you-the-alarming-lethality-of-major-depression\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Disconnection is a killer.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch this video. It\u2019s a TED Talk given by a journalist named Johann Hari.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"lazyload\" title=\"This could be why you&#039;re depressed or anxious | Johann Hari\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/MB5IX-np5fE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about what he has to say. Does it describe you? And if it does, what are you willing to do about it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"d48b\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span>Final Thoughts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are taking a prescription medication and it\u2019s working then keep taking it. If you are in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/category\/therapy\/\">therapy<\/a> and its helping then keep going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you\u2019re still depressed, you need to realize that recovery from depression requires action and change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no such thing as a pill that fixes a crappy life, or a failing relationship, or a job you hate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Medication can help, but it\u2019s unlikely to solve the problems that pulled you into depression in the first place. Only you can do that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you struggle with depression, consider the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/questions-to-ask-your-therapist\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">benefits of psychotherapy<\/a>. Studies have shown over that therapy is an excellent way to reduce feelings of depressed mood, worthlessness, and <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/therapists-share-their-thoughts-on-suicide\/\" title=\"suicidal ideation\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">suicidal ideation<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can visit <a aria-label=\"Psychology Today (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Psychology Today<\/a> to search for a list of providers in your area. Or, consider the affordability and convenience of <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/betterhelp-counseling-review\/\" title=\"online counseling\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\">online counseling<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have used and tested two of the more popular options, <a class=\"thirstylink\" rel=\"nofollow rel=&quot;sponsored&quot;\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Online-Therapy.com\" href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/recommends\/online-therapy-com\/\" data-shortcode=\"true\">Online-Therapy.com<\/a> and <a aria-label=\"BetterHelp  (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\" href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/blunttherapy\" target=\"_blank\">BetterHelp <\/a>(sponsored). Both services offer reduced rates for new members. I had excellent experiences with both. You get your very own licensed therapist. They are available by phone, video, or chat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\">Helping people, changing lives: The 6 health benefits of volunteering<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\">Regular Walking Can Help Ease Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\">The 7 Worst Foods for Your Brain<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\">Causes of Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link rank-math-link\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/helping-people-changing-lives-the-6-health-benefits-of-volunteering\" target=\"_blank\">Depression (major depressive disorder)<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/review-of-betterhelp-online-counseling\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">The Definitive Guide to Online Counseling<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/what-is-depression\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">What you Should Know About Major Depression<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"How to Get out of Depression \u2013 a Guide to Psychotherapy (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/marcusneo.com\/how-to-get-out-of-depression\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">How to Get out of Depression \u2013 a Guide to Psychotherapy<\/a><\/li><li><a aria-label=\"Upgrade Your Bedroom, Improve Your Sleep: How to Facilitate Quality Rest and Relaxation at Home (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.edmontonrealestate.ca\/improve-sleep-at-home.php\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Upgrade Your Bedroom, Improve Your Sleep: How to Facilitate Quality Rest and Relaxation at Home<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-540ad93d\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-call-to-action uagb-block-73105e3b wp-block-button\"><div class=\"uagb-cta__wrap\"><h5 class=\"uagb-cta__title\">Private Practice  with No Overhead and No Shortage of Clients.<br><\/h5><p class=\"uagb-cta__desc\">Join\u00a0the more than 34,000 full and part-time therapists who are earning more with BetterHelp! Supplement your income, or build your own practice from scratch. Bonuses &amp; Incentives for High Performers! <strong>Sponsored Advertisement<\/strong><\/p><\/div><div class=\"uagb-cta__buttons\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hasofferstracking.betterhelp.com\/aff_c?offer_id=20&amp;aff_id=1614\" class=\"uagb-cta__button-link-wrapper wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Join BetterHelp<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you still suffering from clinical depression despite taking prescription medication? Here are 7 causes of depression that pills, unfortunately, won&#8217;t fix.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":35681,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","ub_ctt_via":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16,781],"tags":[857,789,760,972,28,30,799],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"modified_by":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",800,450,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4-150x84.jpg",150,84,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4-768x432.jpg",768,432,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4-400x225.jpg",400,225,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",800,450,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",800,450,false],"tiny":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",60,34,false],"thumbnail-medium":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-square":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-portrait":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",480,270,false],"thumbnail-large":["https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/7-hidden-of-depression-that-medication-wont-fix-4.jpg",720,405,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Randy Withers, LCMHC","author_link":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/author\/randy-withers\/"},"uagb_comment_info":3,"uagb_excerpt":"Are you still suffering from clinical depression despite taking prescription medication? Here are 7 causes of depression that pills, unfortunately, won't fix.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35656"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35656"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35656\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35681"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.blunt-therapy.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}