Depression is a serious mental illness that affects millions of people every year. While there are many different types of depression, one form that is becoming increasingly common is called “exogenous depression.” This type of depression is caused by external factors, such as stress or traumatic life events. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and causes of exogenous depression, as well as some of the best ways to treat it.
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What Is Exogenous Depression?
Exogenous depression is defined as a major depressive disorder that is triggered by an external event or stressor. It is also sometimes referred to as reactive depression, situational depression, or secondary depression. This condition is distinguished from endogenous depression, which is thought to be caused by internal factors.
The definition of exogenous depression is not always clear, and it is often used interchangeably with other types of depression. But it is very difficult to diagnose exogenous depression because it can be difficult to determine whether the external event or stressor is the cause of the depression or if it is something else.
According to studies, this condition is really common. In fact, it is estimated that 60% of all cases of depression are exogenous. And the good news is that exogenous depression is highly treatable. With the right treatment plan, most people can recover from this condition and go on to live happy, healthy lives.
But the very first thing you need to do if you think you might be suffering from exogenous depression is to seek professional help. A qualified mental health professional can help you determine whether or not this is the condition that you are dealing with and, if so, create a treatment plan that will work for you.
Do not suffer from exogenous depression alone. Seek help today!
What Are The Symptoms Of Exogenous Depression?
The symptoms of exogenous depression can be divided into two categories: physical and psychological. These include:
Physical symptoms
It is believed that exogenous depression is caused by a change in brain chemistry. This can result in physical symptoms such as:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite or weight loss/gain
- Insomnia or sleeping too much
- Physical aches and pains
More often, the physical symptoms can be chalked up to the stress of dealing with depression and do not necessarily require medical attention. These physical symptoms and difficulty in functioning can significantly interfere with work, school, and social activities.
Psychological symptoms
The psychological symptoms of exogenous depression are more varied, but some of the most common include:
- Persistent sadness or emptiness
- Anxiety
- Anger or irritability
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities that were once enjoyed
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Guilt or worthlessness
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
The psychological symptoms are what most people think of when they hear the word “depression.” It is often these symptoms that lead people to seek treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
Exogenous depression is treatable and there are many resources available to help you get on the road to recovery. But before treatment can begin, it is important to first get an accurate diagnosis for your specific situation. After all, depression is a complex illness with many different causes and treatments. So, if you think you may be suffering from exogenous depression, the first step is to talk to a professional.
What Causes Exogenous Depression?
It is believed that this type of depression is caused by external factors, such as:
Stressful life events
Sometimes, in life, bad things happen. And, sometimes, these bad things can be so overwhelming that they lead to depression. In fact, stress seems to be one of the most common triggers of exogenous depression. For example, some of the stressful life events include:
- Death of a loved one
- Divorce or relationship break-up
- Losing your job
- Money troubles
- A serious illness or injury
So, if you’re going through something tough right now, it may be one of the reasons you’re feeling down. But, it’s important to remember that this is only temporary and things will get better.
It’s also believed that people who have inadequate social support are more likely to develop exogenous depression. So, if you don’t have many close friends or family members to rely on, you may be more vulnerable to this type of depression.
Certain personality traits
There are also certain personality traits that seem to be linked to exogenous depression. For example, people who are perfectionists or who have low self-esteem may be more likely to develop this type of depression. Because people with these personality traits are more likely to be hard on themselves and set unrealistic standards, they may be more likely to become depressed when things don’t go as planned.
Certain medications
Medications are also a common cause of exogenous depression. This is because many medications have side effects that can include depression. For example, some medications used to treat high blood pressure can cause depression. And some drugs can be used to treat cancer, arthritis, and even birth control pills. If you’ve started a new medication and find yourself feeling down for no apparent reason, be sure to talk to a professional.
Substance abuse
Substance abuse is another common cause of exogenous depression. It is so because this type of depression is brought about by external factors such as stressful life events. Substance abuse can be either illegal drugs or prescription medications. Depression caused by substance abuse is characterized by a loss of interest in activities, social withdrawal, and fatigue.
So, these are some common causes of exogenous depression. If you are suffering from this type of depression, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. With proper treatment, you can manage your condition and lead a happy and fulfilling life.
How Does Exogenous Differ From Endogenous Depression?
There has been research on the differences between endogenous and exogenous depression. And both are quite different. Endogenous depression is characterized by a lack of response to positive events. It’s more persistent and severe.
And people with endogenous depression tend to have a family history of the disorder. Exogenous depression, on the other hand, is brought on by stressful life events. And it’s generally less severe and shorter-lived than endogenous
Exogenous depression, on the other hand, is characterized by a reaction to negative life events. It’s also referred to as reactive or situational depression. People who suffer from exogenous depression may have a family history of the disorder, but it’s not as likely as with endogenous depression.
Exogenous depression is less severe and shorter-lived than endogenous depression, but it can still be debilitating. If you’re dealing with exogenous depression, it’s important to seek treatment.
Therefore, both conditions are different and need to be treated differently. Exogenous depression is less severe but can still have a big impact on your life. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help.
How It Is Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of any mental health disorder starts with a clinical evaluation. During this, your doctor or mental health professional will ask you questions about your symptoms, thoughts, behaviors, and moods.
They’ll also want to know if you have any medical conditions and what medications you take. Your family history of mental health disorders may also be discussed.
A diagnosis of exogenous depression is made when your doctor or mental health professional determines that your low mood is due to an external factor, such as a major life event or loss.
Your doctor may also use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) to make a diagnosis. It’s important to note that a diagnosis of exogenous depression is only made after other potential causes of your low mood, such as medical conditions and medications, have been ruled out.
After a complete evaluation, your doctor or mental health professional can then provide you with a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Physical tests are less often used to diagnose exogenous depression but may be ordered if your doctor suspects that a medical condition is causing your symptoms. So, an accurate diagnosis is vital to getting the most effective treatment.
How To Treat Exogenous Depression?
This might seem like a silly question, but exogenous depression is a real thing and it is treatable! Here are a few things you can do to help:
Talk to someone who understands
It is important to have someone who understands what you are going through. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone who will listen and support you. You should understand the importance of sharing your feelings and experiences with someone who cares. Spending time and talking with people who understand can help you feel better and ease your depression.
Find a creative outlet
Creative outlets are a great way to express yourself and can be very therapeutic. Some examples of creative outlets are:
- Painting
- Writing
- Photography
- Music
These things or other things that you are passionate about can help you to feel better and ease your depression. Doing things that will make you happy can be very helpful in dealing with exogenous depression.
Get active
Exercise is a great way to release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Taking a brisk walk, going for a run, or even dancing around your house can make a big difference. It is important to get moving and get your heart rate up to help improve your mood. Staying active for even just a few minutes can help to ease your depression. Because physical activity will help to improve your mood, it is important to find something that you enjoy and stick with it.
Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet is an essential part of treating depression. Eating a balanced diet, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help to improve your mood and give you the energy you need to get through the day. It is important to avoid processed foods and sugary snacks, as they can make depression worse. Eating a healthy diet can help to ease your depression and make you feel better.
Set realistic goals
One of the best things you can do for yourself when dealing with exogenous depression is to set goals. Having something to work towards can help you to feel better and give you a sense of purpose. Make sure that your goals are realistic and achievable. This will help you to stay motivated and on track. For example, if you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning, your goal could be to shower and eat breakfast before noon.
Find a support group
There are many support groups available for people dealing with exogenous depression. These groups can provide you with information, resources, and support. Being around others who understand what you are going through can be very helpful. You can find a support group by searching online or talking to your doctor. There are types of support groups and you should find one that meets your needs.
Consider therapy
Therapy is a great way to deal with exogenous depression. It can help you to understand your thoughts and feelings, set goals, and make positive changes in your life. If you are considering therapy, be sure to find a therapist that you feel comfortable with and who has experience treating depression. Therapy can be very helpful in easing your depression. Talk therapy is the most common and effective type of therapy for depression.
Take medication
If you are struggling with exogenous depression, medication may be an option for you. Medication can help to improve your mood and ease your symptoms. Antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication for depression. They work by changing the chemicals in your brain that are responsible for your mood. It is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking medication for depression.
Exogenous depression is a real thing and it is treatable! There are many things you can do to ease your depression. Moreover, it is important to find what works for you. What might work for one person, might not work for another. It is important to be patient and keep trying new things until you find something that helps. Remember, you are not alone! There are many people who understand what you are going through and are here to support you.
Conclusion
To conclude, exogenous depression is a real and serious condition that can have a profound effect on your life. If you think you may be suffering from exogenous depression, it is important to seek professional help. With proper treatment, exogenous depression can be managed and you can live a happy and fulfilling life.
For more information, please contact MantraCare. Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities. If you have any queries regarding Online Depression Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial Depression Therapy session
