Anhedonia: When Depression Takes Away the Ability to Feel Pleasure

Depression is much more than simply feeling sad or having a bad day. It can change how the brain processes motivation, reward, and pleasure. One of the most important symptoms associated with depression is anhedonia, a term derived from Greek roots meaning “without pleasure.” Anhedonia describes a significant reduction or loss of the ability to enjoy activities that a person previously found rewarding or meaningful. It can affect hobbies, relationships, food, entertainment, and everyday experiences.

Anhedonia can appear in several ways. A person may lose interest in hobbies that once brought satisfaction, such as reading, playing music, exercising, cooking, or gardening. These activities may begin to feel like burdensome chores rather than sources of enjoyment. Social interaction can also become difficult. Meeting friends or spending time with family may feel exhausting, emotionally empty, or unrewarding, leading the person to withdraw and become increasingly isolated.

Another characteristic is emotional numbness. Someone experiencing anhedonia may watch a favorite movie, eat a beloved meal, receive good news, or accomplish an important goal without experiencing the expected sense of happiness or satisfaction. Importantly, anhedonia can affect anticipatory pleasure as well as immediate enjoyment. A person may no longer look forward to a holiday, social event, or weekend activity because imagining the future no longer generates excitement or motivation.

Researchers believe that changes in the brain's reward systems contribute to anhedonia. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in motivation, learning, and reward processing, plays an important role. Rather than simply being a “pleasure chemical,” dopamine helps the brain recognize potentially rewarding experiences and motivates people to pursue them. Depression can disrupt communication within reward-related brain networks, including connections involving the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and other regions. Consequently, pleasurable experiences may produce a weaker motivational or rewarding response.

Anhedonia can create a self-reinforcing cycle. When activities stop feeling rewarding, people naturally do less of them. Reduced activity and social contact can then increase isolation and reinforce depressive symptoms. Breaking this cycle is therefore an important part of recovery.

One evidence-based approach is behavioral activation, a form of psychological treatment that encourages people to gradually reintroduce meaningful and manageable activities into their routines. The initial goal is not to force happiness but to increase engagement despite low motivation. Small steps, such as taking a short walk, calling a friend, preparing a meal, or spending a few minutes on a former hobby, can provide opportunities for positive experiences to return.

Professional treatment may also include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, and antidepressant medication when appropriate. Because anhedonia can have several possible causes and may occur with conditions other than depression, professional assessment is important. Recovery is possible, but improvement may take time. Recognizing anhedonia as a genuine symptom—not a lack of effort or character—can be an important first step toward getting appropriate support.
Anhedonia: When Depression Takes Away the Ability to Feel Pleasure

Understanding the Link Between Major Depression and Suicide

Major depression is a severe mental health condition that not only brings immense suffering to individuals but also poses a significant risk of suicide. Recent studies suggest that up to a quarter of suicides in the United States can be attributed to undiagnosed or misdiagnosed major depression. Alarmingly, approximately 80% of suicide deaths occur in individuals suffering from major depression, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention and support.

However, these statistics may only scratch the surface of the true extent of the problem. Many suicides are disguised as accidental deaths, making it challenging to accurately gauge the prevalence of suicide linked to major depression. Nevertheless, major depression remains the most commonly associated psychiatric diagnosis with suicide. Research indicates that the lifetime risk of suicide among untreated individuals with depressive disorder is nearly 20%.

Moreover, treated patients still face a considerable suicide risk, with rates reaching 141 per 100,000 individuals. It's noteworthy that about two-thirds of people who complete suicide are depressed at the time of their deaths, underlining the critical role of identifying and addressing depression in suicide prevention efforts.

Gender differences also play a role in suicide risk among those with major depression, with about 7 out of every hundred men and 1 out of every hundred women diagnosed with depression in their lifetime eventually completing suicide. The risk of suicide in individuals with major depression is approximately 20 times higher than that of the general population. Furthermore, individuals who experience multiple episodes of depression are at even greater risk compared to those with a single episode.

Compounding factors such as substance abuse further escalate the risk of suicide in individuals grappling with major depression. Those with a dependence on alcohol or drugs face heightened vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive treatment strategies that address both mental health and substance use disorders.

In conclusion, the nexus between major depression and suicide is profound and multifaceted. Effective prevention and intervention efforts must encompass early detection, access to quality mental health care, and targeted support to mitigate the risk factors associated with major depression and suicide.
Understanding the Link Between Major Depression and Suicide

Recognizing Depression: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support

Depression is a complex mental health condition that impacts millions worldwide. It often goes beyond emotional struggles, manifesting through persistent physical symptoms, such as chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues, that resist conventional treatments. These unexplained physical ailments can be early warning signs of depression, highlighting the interplay between mental and physical health.

Mood changes, including irritability and outbursts of anger, are also common symptoms. Research suggests that such expressions of depression are more frequently observed in men, possibly due to societal norms discouraging men from openly expressing vulnerability. This divergence in symptoms underscores the importance of understanding depression's varied presentations across genders.

One of the most alarming symptoms of depression is the presence of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. These are critical cries for help that demand immediate attention. Suicide is often a last resort for those overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness, though some attempts may tragically reflect a determined intent to end their suffering. Global health organizations, like the WHO, report that suicide is a leading cause of death among individuals aged 15–29, emphasizing the need for proactive intervention.

Depression is typically diagnosed when an individual experiences four or more symptoms—such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or changes in appetite—over at least two weeks. However, symptoms vary widely among individuals. For example, while some may feel deeply withdrawn, others might remain functional yet silently suffer.

Recognizing depression involves vigilance and compassion. Friends, family, and coworkers should be aware of potential signs and encourage open conversations. Crucially, only a qualified medical professional, such as a doctor or psychiatrist, can diagnose depression and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

With effective treatment, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, many people recover from depression. The key lies in early identification and intervention, fostering a society that prioritizes mental health as an integral part of overall well-being.
Recognizing Depression: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Support

Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Depression Symptoms

Depression is a complex mental health condition, with persistent sadness or an empty mood being its most recognized symptom. Unlike occasional feelings of being "down in the dumps," which are temporary, this depressive mood lasts for several weeks or more. When this occurs, it is crucial to seek help from a psychiatrist or doctor.

People with depression often experience intense feelings of pessimism, hopelessness, or helplessness. They may become excessively self-critical, feeling they can never measure up, regardless of their efforts. This negative self-perception can significantly impact their mental health.

Depression also frequently leads to a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy. This lack of interest can extend to all areas of life, including hobbies and sexual activity, resulting in a pervasive sense of lethargy and lack of drive. Over time, this symptom can reinforce the condition, creating a vicious cycle of inactivity and further depression.

Sleep disturbances are another common but less recognized symptom of depression. While many dismiss sleeping problems as mild insomnia that will pass, they can be a significant indicator of underlying depression. Some people may wake up early and find themselves unable to return to sleep, exacerbating feelings of fatigue and mental exhaustion.

Eating disturbances are also associated with depression, often hidden behind conditions like anorexia or bulimia, particularly in women. While these eating disorders are serious in their own right, they can sometimes obscure the broader context of depressive symptoms. Recognizing changes in eating patterns as potential signs of depression is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the condition.

Understanding the full range of depression symptoms, including sleep and eating disturbances, helps paint a complete picture of this mental health disorder. By knowing the facts and symptoms, we can better identify and address depression, ensuring individuals receive the support and treatment they need.
Recognizing the Full Spectrum of Depression Symptoms

Recognizing Depression: Breaking the Silence and Stigma

Suffering from depression or mental health problems is something that many people feel ashamed to admit. The stigma surrounding mental health issues is often perpetuated by dismissive comments and societal ignorance. For those who have endured major depression or significant depressive episodes, facing such comments becomes an inevitable challenge. This societal pressure exacerbates the struggle for individuals trying to navigate their mental health journey.

But what about those who don’t experience major depression or severe episodes? Many people believe they are not depressed and feel confident they don’t need professional help. However, recognizing depression is crucial, as it can manifest subtly and gradually.

Being vigilant about the warning signs of depression is vital. Early detection can prevent the condition from worsening. Depression leads to behaviors that are detrimental to one's well-being. These behaviors, if reinforced day after day, can slowly but surely take over one's life. The insidious nature of depression means that changes in behavior often develop gradually, making them harder to notice.

Key signs to watch for include persistent sadness or a low mood, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite or weight, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, individuals may experience fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, difficulty concentrating, and even thoughts of death or suicide. Physical symptoms such as unexplained aches and pains can also be indicators of depression.

Understanding and recognizing these signs early can make a significant difference. Early intervention can prevent the deepening of depressive symptoms and improve outcomes. Encouraging open discussions about mental health and reducing the stigma can also help those suffering in silence to seek help.

Ultimately, vigilance and awareness are our best tools against the silent grip of depression. By fostering a supportive environment and educating ourselves about mental health, we can better support those in need and create a society where no one feels ashamed to admit they are struggling.
Recognizing Depression: Breaking the Silence and Stigma

Addressing and Understanding Mood Disorders: Bipolar Disorder and Depression

Mood disorders are primarily classified into two categories: bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depression) and depression. Bipolar disorder is marked by extreme mood swings, alternating between deep depression and euphoric mania. During depressive episodes, individuals may experience pervasive sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities. Manic episodes, on the other hand, can involve excessive energy, reduced need for sleep, grandiosity, and risky behaviors.

Depression, in contrast, is characterized by a persistent, overriding sadness and a sense of despair. These feelings are pervasive and do not dissipate over time. Individuals with depression often struggle with a loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, leading to significant impairment in daily functioning.

Both children and adults with mood disorders face significant challenges in their social and occupational lives. Depression can lead to withdrawal from social interactions, poor performance at work or school, and an overall diminished quality of life. For those with bipolar disorder, manic episodes can be equally disruptive, causing erratic behavior that affects relationships, job stability, and financial security.

Recent advances in treatment, such as improved medications and psychotherapy approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), offer hope. However, the stigmatization of mental health issues still poses a barrier to seeking help. Greater awareness and understanding are essential to support those affected by mood disorders and to integrate them more effectively into society.
Addressing and Understanding Mood Disorders: Bipolar Disorder and Depression

Depression: Psychological vs Biochemical

Determining whether depression is psychological or biochemical can be challenging, but certain symptoms can provide clues. While depression stemming from negative life events may fluctuate with changes in circumstances, biochemical depression tends to persist despite alterations in one's life. If you find yourself consistently depressed over a long period, even when positive changes occur, biochemical factors may be at play.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of talk therapy can indicate the nature of depression. If traditional psychotherapy fails to alleviate symptoms and leaves you feeling perplexed rather than enlightened, biochemical depression may be more likely. Unlike situational depression, biochemical depression often leads to an inability to react to good news, along with early morning awakenings and difficulty returning to sleep.

Another distinguishing factor is the inability to pinpoint a specific triggering event for your depression. While situational depression can often be traced back to a particular cause or stressor, biochemical depression may arise seemingly without reason. Additionally, if your moods oscillate between periods of depression and elation in a cyclical pattern, this could suggest a mood disorder like bipolar disorder rather than a reaction to life events.

Furthermore, it's essential to note the impact of substances on depression. Heavy drinking exacerbates symptoms of depression, particularly in cases of biochemical depression. Therefore, monitoring how substances affect your mood can provide valuable insights into the nature of your depression. By considering these markers, individuals can gain a better understanding of whether their depression is primarily psychological or influenced by biochemical factors.
Depression: Psychological vs Biochemical

Depression Treatment Options

Addressing depression can encompass diverse strategies, including the utilization of antidepressant medication, participation in professional counseling such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, or a combination of these methods. For those experiencing mild to moderate depression, relying solely on professional counseling may be adequate.

In instances of severe early symptoms, the initial treatment plan commonly integrates both antidepressants and professional counseling. Hospitalization may become necessary if there are indications of suicidal thoughts, such as plans for self-harm, detachment from reality (psychosis), or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

Recognizing age-specific warning signs is imperative due to the connection between depression and suicide. Children and teens may display signs like preoccupation with death or suicide, or the aftermath of a recent relationship breakup. Warning signs in adults could manifest as alcohol or substance abuse, recent job loss, or divorce. Older adults may exhibit signs such as the recent death of a partner or the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness.

Depression is typically manageable through medication, professional counseling, or a combination thereof. Determining the most effective medication and counseling approach may necessitate multiple attempts. While medications usually take 4 to 12 weeks to manifest effects, they often work more swiftly. Collaborating with your health professional, you will work together to pinpoint the optimal treatment strategy for your specific circumstances.
Depression Treatment Options

Depression Behavior in Adolescence

Adolescents have a notably higher susceptibility to experiencing depression in comparison to younger children, though the precise causes of this trend remain unclear. One possibility is that cases of depression during childhood often go unnoticed by adults.

Another hypothesis is that the likelihood of diagnosable depression increases as adolescents develop advanced cognitive abilities and become more introspective. Alternatively, the elevated occurrence of stressful life events among teenagers compared to children might contribute to this phenomenon.

In a particular study, it was found that around 9% of students attending junior and senior high school displayed a degree of depression serious enough to warrant a diagnosis of major depression. This percentage closely resembles the prevalence of depression in adults.
Depression Behavior in Adolescence

What is Depression?

Most people feel depressed at times. Losing a loved one, getting fired from a job, going through a divorce, and other difficult situations can lead a person to feel sad, lonely, scared, nervous, or anxious.

Depression —also called “clinical depression” or a “depressive disorder”— is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.

Depression is the most common of the affective disorders; it may range from a very mild condition, bordering on normality, to severe (psychotic) depression accompanied by hallucinations and delusions. Worldwide, depression is a major cause of disability and premature death.

Depression is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease and affects people in all communities across the world.

Depressive disorders often start at a young age; they reduce people’s functioning and often are recurring. For these reasons, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide in terms of total years lost due to disability.

In younger children, symptoms of depression may include sadness, irritability, hopelessness and worry. Symptoms in adolescents and teens may include anxiety, anger and avoidance of social interaction.

What Causes Depression? Research suggests that a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors play a role in depression. Depression can occur along with other serious illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Depression can make these conditions worse and vice versa.
What is Depression?

Depression associated with overeating

Depression is most likely due to a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the parts of the brain involved in mood, thinking, sleep, appetite, and behavior of people who have depression function differently than those of people without it.

Depression is one of the strong emotions associated with overeating. In a depressed mood, most will feel hopeless, tired, and uninterested in activities they used to love. Attempting to cheer themselves up, these people will often turn to food to deal with these feelings. Unfortunately, that overeating causes the pounds to pack on. This weight gain can deepen the depression even further.

A 2012 study has shown why both stress and eating poorly are linked to an increased risk for anxiety and depression. The effects of a high-fat diet overlap with the effects of chronic stress that are known to play a hand in causing depression (Neuropharmacology. 2012 Jan;62(1):35-41).

Many people overeat out of boredom. With nothing else to do, they rummage through the cupboards to fill the time. Often they sit in front of the TV or computer mindlessly munching on snacks without ever being hungry.

Instead of determining why they are bored, or finding something constructive to fill that boredom, these overeaters stuff the time, and their stomachs, with unnecessary fattening foods.
Depression associated with overeating

Sadness can cause depression

Sadness is a normal reaction to difficult times in life and usually passes with a little time. Sadness is only a small part of depression. In general, sadness is a feeling of a level of unhappiness, unrest, or mental suffering. There are many reasons for sadness--it is a normal human response to upsetting situations. Sadness may be caused by a loss of some kind or an unexpected and unwanted change.

Depression usually begins with feelings of discouragement or sadness. If it gets really bad, the depressed person can feel swallowed up by hopelessness. Many depressed people feel like they no longer get enjoyment from things they used to love doing. If depression gets extreme, there might be a kind of numbness or emptiness, like having no feelings.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is the most common illness worldwide and the leading cause of disability. They estimate that 350 million people are affected by depression, globally. Women with depression typically have symptoms of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt.

There are three types of depression: mild depression, moderate depression and severe depression. Moderate depression, or a feeling of hopelessness, lasts longer and is more intense. Moderate depression is often brought on by a sad event, such as a death of a loved one or loss of a job. It usually does not interfere with daily living, but can become severe. If it persists, professional help may be warranted.
Sadness can cause depression

What causes a migraine?

Migraines and chronic daily headaches are common in people who suffer from anxiety disorders.

Migraine is generally inherited disorder and it’s an inherited neurologic disorder. Migraine represents a complex system malfunction and that the neural circuitry can malfunction in many different ways. The centerpiece involves a susceptibly to recurrent headaches that are initiated by environmental triggers.

It causes the nerves to fire inappropriately and activate all of the processed that are perceived of as the migraine headache.

Certain people will trigger a migraine when they smell perfume or strong odors. Alcohol can trigger migraines, specifically red wine, certain food triggers, and the hassle of daily life as a stress, but also the letdown from stress so that some patients get migraine on the weekends.

Researchers have discovered that people with migraines in particularly have a higher risk of depression, anxiety and mild insomnia. While frequent headaches may cause a person to fell depressed or anxious, studies show that the increase risk of these conditions is independent of the headaches themselves.
What causes a migraine?

How to define headaches?

Many women suffer from headaches. Headaches have myriad causes and there are many varieties of headache types, which is why they are one of the great challenges in medicine. Why do some people have them, and others do not? Why do some people suffer so severely, while others can take an aspirin and bounce right back?

Despite their complex origins, we have found there are simple measures that you can put in place to bring real, permanent headache relief without drugs.

The abiding concern with headaches is whether a serious problem in the brain may be the cause. Fortunately, that is rarely the case. But if you suddenly suffer severe headaches unlike ever before, it warrants immediate medical evaluation for sure — even an emergency room visit.

If you have been a long-time headache sufferer, it is wise to discuss your headaches with your primary care provider so you can get properly diagnosed and fully understand the type of headaches you have.

There are many types of headaches, such as tension, cluster, migraine, and several subtypes of each as well. Knowing what type you have will help you identify your triggers and point you toward better solutions!
How to define headaches?

Eight Fast Facts of Women and Depression

The Depression
The facts provided by National Mental Information Center

1.One in four women will experience severe depression at some point in life.

2.Depression affects twice as many women as men, regardless of racial and ethnic background or income.

2.Depression is the number one cause of disability in women.

3.In general, married women experience more depression than single women do, and depression is common among young mothers who stay at home full-time with small children.

4.Women who are victims of sexual and physical abuse are at much greater risk for depression.

5.At least 90 percent of all cases of eating disorders occur in women, and there is a strong relationship between eating disorders and depression.

6.Depression can put women at risk for suicide. While more men than women die from suicide, women attempt suicide about twice as often as men do.

7.Only about one-fifth of all women who suffer from depression seek treatment.

8.Depression can - and should - be treated.
Eight Fast Facts of Women and Depression

Mood changes

Depression can be defined as a general mood t characterized by a sense of inadequacy, a feeling of despondency, a decrease in activity or reactivity or pessimism, sadness and related symptoms.

Mood is perhaps best characterized by Russel’s (2003) ‘core effect’, described as neurophysiological state that is consciously accessible, primitive and simple at psychological level, but complex at an etiological level.

In particular, he describes mood as ‘free floating’, in that although it may be attributed to a cause to event, it does not necessarily have one.

Most people experience a pattern of fairly regular ‘ups and downs’. Mood instability of any kind has come to be seen by many clinicians as a symptom of bipolar disorder.

Depression is commonest mood disorder following brain injury and it has been estimated to occur in 25% - 60% of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) within 8 years of injury.

Research by Rudolph and Kim in 1996 showed that mood responses to aerobic, dance, soccer, tennis and bowling and positive mood was enhanced in students participating in aerobic dance and soccer.
Mood changes

What are the symptoms of depression in women?

Women appear to be more at risk for depressive symptoms during perimenopause than menopause. Depression is the leading cause of disease-related disability among women worldwide, more common in women than men with risk ratios about 2:1 and risk increases with age through midlife.

The symptoms and diagnosis of depression are more prevalent in women than in men. Symptoms of depression in women include:

*Persistent sad, anxious, depressed mood, sensitivity to rejection
*Decrease interest in usual activities including sex
*Restlessness, irritability, or excessive crying
*Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
*Sleeping too much or too little, early-morning waking
*Appetite changes, overeating, food cravings,
*Fatigue, lethargy, lack of energy
*Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
*Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
*Physical symptoms: breast tenderness, swelling, muscle pain, bloating and weight gain
*Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

Psychiatrists and researchers have theorized numerous reasons for women depression, focusing on biochemical and monthly hormone changes that result in reduced levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter often associated with depression and insomnia.

Women also can experience wider swings in thyroid functions, and then thyroid levels are low, mood is typically low, too.
What are the symptoms of depression in women?

What are the symptoms of depression in men?

Many but not all people who are depressed feel the classic symptoms of intense sadness and dejection. They are also report getting little pleasure from anything and lose their sense of humor. The three most common signs of depression in men are:

*Physical pain. Sometimes depression in men shows up as physical symptoms—such as backache, head and neck pain, lower back pain, frequent headaches, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, or digestive disorders—that don't respond to normal treatment

*Anger

*Reckless behavior including of rage, assault, dangerous conduct, and substance abuse.

*Depressed men have a decidedly negative view of themselves. He blamed himself for every negative event, even of it had nothing to do with him. He was unable to give himself credit for a positive achievement.
What are the symptoms of depression in men? 

Normal moods and depression

There is little agreement among authorities regarding the relationship of depression to the changes in mood experienced by normal individuals.

The term mood is generally applied to a spectrum of feelings extending from elation and happiness at one extreme, to sadness and unhappiness at the other. The particular feelings encompassed by this term, consequently, are directly related to either happiness or sadness.

Subjective states, such as anxiety or anger, that do not fit into the happiness-sadness categories ate not generally included.

The episodes of low mood or of feeling blue experienced by normal individuals are similar in a number of ways to the clinical states of depression.

First, there is a similarity between the description of the subjective experience of normal low mood and of depression. The words used to describe normal low mood tend to be the same used by depressives to describe their feelings – blue, sad, unhappy, empty, low, lonely.

It is possible, however, that this resemblance may be due to depressed patients’ drawing on familiar vocabulary to describe a pathological state for which they have no available words. Some patients, in fact, state that their feelings during their depression are quite distinct from any feelings they have ever experienced when not in a clinical depression.

Second, the behavior of the depressed patient resembles that of a person who is sad or unhappy, particularly in the mournful facial expression and the lowered voice.

Third, some of the vegetative and physical manifestation characteristics of depression are occasionally seen in individually who are feeling sad but who would not be considered clinically depressed. A person who has failed an examination, lost job, or been jilted may not only feel discouraged and forlorn, but also experience anorexia, insomnia and fatigability.

Finally, many individuals experience blue states that seem to oscillate in a consistent or rhythmic fashion, independently of external stimuli, suggestive of the rhythmic variations on the intensity of depression.
Normal moods and depression 

Alcohol cause depression

Alcohol regularly induces or causes a plethora of psychiatric symptoms in varying degrees of severity. Depression and anxiety can be expected to occur in virtually any chronic drinker (e.g. daily or weekly consumption).

The more alcohol is consumed, and individual becomes more depressed. This can cause social and health problems ranging from marital discord, child abuse and automobile accidents to suicide, violence and even death from an alcohol-caused coma.

About 40 percent of people who have major depression at some point in their live will also have a problem with alcohol abuse or alcoholism, according to a survey of more than 43,000 adult across the United States.

People with both depression and an alcohol problem tend to have more severe mental health symptoms and a greater risk of suicide compared to those with depression alone.
Alcohol cause depression