How does depression damage the brain? & bull; hello healthy

Depression is a complex type of mental disorder that makes sufferers feel sad, hopeless, and worthless. You are suspected of having depression if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. A person who is suspected of having depression should receive medical attention. This condition not only affects emotional stability, but also interferes with work productivity, social relationships, and even leads to suicidal thoughts. How can such brain damage occur as a result of depression?

Overview of depression cases in Indonesia

The latest research related to the number of cases of depression in Indonesia was recently carried out by Karl Peltzer (a researcher from the University of Limpopo, South Africa) and Supa Pengpid (a researcher from Mahidol University, Thailand).

The results showed that the highest number of cases of depression was found in the range of adolescents and young adults.

According to the study, quoted from intothelight.org, women aged 15-19 are the population with the highest rates of depression (32%), followed by men aged 20-29 years (29 percent), and men aged 15- 19 years (26 percent).

The study also showed that depression rates in Indonesia tend to decline with age. This means that the older you are, the less new cases of depression are found.

How brain damage can occur due to depression

Quoted from Healthline, major depression involves disorders of the three main parts of the brain which include the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. Major depression itself is defined as a type of major depression or clinical depression. Major depression is one of the two most commonly diagnosed types of depression.

The following is an explanation of the damage to the three parts of the brain as a result of major depression:

1. The hippocampus

The hippocampus is located near the center of the brain. This part of the brain functions to store memories and regulate cortisol production. Cortisol is a hormone that is released when you are under stress, both physically and mentally.

New problems will arise when excessive amounts of cortisol are released. Long-term excess cortisol levels can be a symptom of depression. The excess cortisol can shrink the nerve cells (neurons) in the hippocampus of the brain. At the same time, excess cortisol levels will also slow down the production of new neuron cells.

The damage caused by depression to this part of the brain often manifests as long-term memory impairment. You can no longer generate new long-term memory. You may be able to remember what happened yesterday but not 20 years ago, for example, that happened before the hippocampus was damaged.

The hippocampus itself also forms part of the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of the brain involved in behavioral and emotional responses. Especially when it comes to survival instincts and behaviors, such as foraging, reproducing and caring for offspring, and responseflight or flight (fight or escape) when confronted by negative situations or stressors.

So when this part of the brain is damaged as a result, you may no longer have the desire to simply eat or interact with other people.

2. Amygdala

The amygdala is the part of the brain that controls emotional responses and recognition of emotional cues in others. The amygdala is responsible for controlling physical and psychological responses associated with fear and arousal.

In people with major depression, the amygdala enlarges and becomes more active as a result of constant exposure to excess cortisol.

Overactive amygdala function in people with depression has been linked to symptoms of anxiety disorder and social phobia.

Together with abnormal activity in other parts of the brain, damage to the amygdala that occurs due to depression will cause sleep disturbances and changes in activity. Another thing to watch out for is that long-term depression can cause sufferers to hurt themselves, causing suicidal thoughts.

It also stimulates the body to release abnormal amounts of hormones and chemicals which can lead to more serious complications.

3. Prefrontal cortex

The prefrontal cortex is located at the very front of the brain. This part of the brain is responsible for regulating emotions, making decisions, and organizing memories.

When the brain produces excessive amounts of cortisol, the preforental cortex shrinks. This condition has an impact on decreasing empathy in people with depression. This effect also appears to occur in women with postpartum depression (postpartum depression).

In general, this is how depression can do brain damage. Therefore, do not hesitate to immediately consult a psychologist or psychiatrist to get the right treatment.