We often hear about how stress affects our lives, from making us feel anxious to causing physical health problems. But what about its connection to depression? Can stress really lead us down the path to depression? The answer is yes, and it’s something that many of us may experience without even realising it. Understanding how stress can contribute to depression can help us recognise when we might be at risk.
Stress is a normal part of life. We all face challenges, whether it’s a tight deadline at work, a difficult conversation with a loved one, or managing the responsibilities of everyday life. In small doses, stress can even be helpful, giving us the motivation we need to tackle problems head-on. But when stress becomes overwhelming or lasts for too long, it can start to take a toll on our mental health.
When we’re stressed, our bodies go into “fight or flight” mode. This is our body’s natural response to a perceived threat, and it’s meant to protect us. Our heart rate increases, our muscles tense up, and our minds become hyper-focused on the problem at hand. This response is helpful in short bursts, like when we need to react quickly to avoid danger. But if we’re constantly in this state, it can wear us down both physically and emotionally.
Chronic stress, which is the kind of stress that lasts for weeks, months, or even years, can be particularly damaging. It keeps our bodies and minds in a constant state of alert, which can lead to exhaustion. We might start to feel like we’re always on edge, unable to relax or find peace. Over time, this constant pressure can lead to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and, eventually, depression.
Imagine someone who is juggling multiple responsibilities—maybe they’re working full-time while also caring for a family member, and on top of that, they’re dealing with financial stress. At first, they might manage it all by staying organised and pushing through each day. But as the stress continues, it becomes harder to keep up. They might start losing sleep, which makes them feel even more tired and irritable. They might begin to withdraw from social activities because they’re too exhausted to engage with others. Little by little, the stress starts to chip away at their sense of well-being. What started as stress begins to turn into something deeper and more troubling—depression.
One reason stress can lead to depression is that it affects our brain chemistry. When we’re stressed, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. In small amounts, cortisol is helpful; it helps us manage our energy and respond to challenges. But when we’re constantly stressed, our cortisol levels stay elevated, which can disrupt the balance of other chemicals in our brain, like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are important for regulating our mood, and when they’re out of balance, we’re more likely to feel depressed.
Another way stress can contribute to depression is by affecting our thought patterns. When we’re stressed, it’s easy to fall into negative thinking. We might start to believe that we’re not capable of handling our challenges or that things will never get better. These thoughts can become a cycle, feeding into our stress and making us feel even worse. Over time, this negative thinking can become so ingrained that it’s hard to see a way out, leading us further into depression.
Stress also impacts our behaviour. When we’re overwhelmed, we might stop doing the things that usually make us feel good. We might skip exercise, eat poorly, or avoid spending time with friends and family. These changes in behaviour can make us feel more isolated and disconnected, which can worsen feelings of depression. It’s like being caught in a downward spiral, where each turn makes it harder to break free.
In some cases, the connection between stress and depression can be hard to see. We might not even realise how stressed we are until we’re already feeling the effects of depression. For example, someone might go through a stressful period at work, where they’re constantly worried about meeting deadlines and pleasing their boss. They might not think of this stress as a big deal at first, but over time, it starts to wear them down. They might find themselves feeling more and more exhausted, losing interest in things they used to enjoy, and struggling to get out of bed in the morning. What started as stress has slowly turned into depression, without them even realising it.
Understanding that stress can lead to depression is important because it helps us recognise when we might be at risk. It’s not always easy to see the signs, especially when we’re in the middle of a stressful situation. But by being aware of how stress affects our mental health, we can start to pay attention to how we’re feeling and take steps to protect ourselves. Depression is complex, and there’s no single cause. But for many of us, stress plays a significant role in how we end up feeling. By acknowledging the connection between stress and depression, we can begin to understand our experiences better and be more mindful of the impact stress has on our lives.
If you or someone you love is struggling with depression, you don’t have to go through it alone. At My Practice Counselling Melbourne, Jonathan Riley and our team are here to help. Reach out today to start your journey toward a healthier, happier life. Contact us now to book an appointment.