Most people have a basic understanding of what depression is. But, fewer recognize that it’s far more than just a “feeling.” Depression is a mental health condition in every sense of the word. So much so that it actually has a direct impact on the brain.
When you’re dealing with depression, especially on a long-term basis, it can change the way your brain works. It can even change the size and certain structures within the brain. That might sound scary. But the good news is that with the right treatment, you can fight back against depression. The brain is resilient and can eventually go back to being completely healthy.
In the meantime, it’s important to understand the effects of depression on the brain. Maybe you’ve been putting off getting the treatment you deserve. Or, maybe you know someone with depression, and you’re trying to understand what they’re going through.
Whatever the case, let’s take a closer look at some of those effects and how much of a harmful impact depression can have on the mind.
Parts of the Brain Shrink
Again, the idea of your brain “shrinking” at all might sound scary. But, certain areas do tend to decrease in size when depression takes hold. The hippocampus is especially impacted. It’s the part of your brain responsible for learning and memory. Other areas that can shrink due to depression include the prefrontal cortex, the thalamus, and the frontal cortex.
What causes these areas to become smaller? When you deal with depression, you experience a chemical imbalance caused by an increase in cortisol. Cortisol is often known as the “stress hormone,” and too much of it can wreak havoc on your body. Too much of it can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, and fatigue. Too much cortisol in the brain also serves as a roadblock to neuron development.
Not every area of the brain shrinks due to depression. While some parts get smaller, the amygdala gets larger. It’s the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. An enlarged amygdala can lead to mood swings, hormonal shifts, and difficulty sleeping. Unfortunately, all of those things can end up making your depression worse.
Cognitive Issues
In severe cases of depression, people can experience lower cognitive functioning. This is due to long-term cortisol exposure. When the development of neurons is slowed or stopped for an extended period of time, the person dealing with it can start to experience memory issues, difficulty concentrating, and executive dysfunction.
Changes in Brain Communication
Long-term depression can also impact the circuitry of your brain. Your brain has to communicate with itself effectively and the rest of your body using various circuits. When those circuits are disrupted for any reason, including depression, your emotional responses can become worse.
Again, that, unfortunately, causes a vicious cycle that can make your depressive symptoms become worse.
What Can You Do?
With the right treatment, your brain can return to a healthy state no matter how long you’ve been dealing with depression. But it’s important to read that again. The right treatment is necessary. Depression is a very common mental health condition. It’s also often very manageable but not something you should try to deal with on your own.
One of the best things you can do to fight back against depression is to seek out professional help. Therapy is the best way to get to the root cause of your depression. Once you know where it stems from, you can work from the ground up to beat it. A therapist can also help you learn how to manage your symptoms each day and find some peace and comfort instead of hopelessness and sadness. Reach out to us to learn more about depression therapy.
