Chemical damage

Chemical imbalances within the brain can lead to depression. Two interesting imbalances include serotonin and Vitamin D. For instance, serotonin, being a "neurotransmitter", helps the brain communicate. If you don't have enough serotonin in your body; it would be similar to having a 300 baud modem compared to a cable modem. The slower modem can not handle that much information and it takes *forever* to retrieve information. The cable modem has the ability to handle the bandwith needed for proper communication.

Vitamin D, well, that's a unique vitamin. We get *most* of our Vitamin D from the sun. Yet, if you are depressed, the more likely that you will try and avoid the sun. It's not like you *want* to avoid the sun. Yet, the impetus to close the shades and "hibernate", under the covers of your bed can prove more desirable to dealing with "everyday life".

Yet, chemical damage can also come from other drugs. For instance; Phenobarbital; a drug used to treat grand mal seizures, is a depressant... as are all drugs to treat epilepsy. So, you have a disorder (epilepsy) that you need to treat with medication. Yet, that very medication can cause an imbalance in the brain.

What to do, what to do. The only thing you can do is, do your best. I say, "knowledge is power". Yes, I know it's *not* an original thought. It's from the 17th century. No, I'm not that old, but I feel like it. The more you know about how your own body reacts to various changes, the better for you.

To deal with the chemical imbalance, alternatives need to be looked at. For example; if you live in a region where you don't get too much sun (think the northern tier states (WA, OR, ID, MT, ND, SD, Northern MN, etc), you might try something that is called a "light box". It is used in "light therapy" to treat depression. I'd recommend that you google "Light box". They can be pre-made (you might be able to find them at Lowe's or Home Depot, possibly Walgreen's, CVS or possibly Walmart, or you can make your own; if you have the skill.

In conclusion, chemical imbalances can lead to depression.