Hello Micky
Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for your post.
I wish I could answer your question. If I could I'm sure I could make squillions. Unfortunately it's still rather a mystery. Chemical imbalance is one component but why it should happen is not known. The other part is that depression can hit anyone regardless of age, gender, financial or social standing, race or belief. It is a universal illness with no real known cause or treatment. That is enough on it's own to make anyone depressed.
Just as you have described, it can arrive out of the blue. Your life may be fine and no obvious difficulties or traumas etc but you still become unwell.
The symptoms you describe have been experienced by all those who have depression. It is strange that those with major illnesses or other life difficulties seem to stay well while others fall into major depressions. It makes no sense and is definitely not a reflection on depressed person. So do not blame yourself or try and force yourself to be what you think you should be. It will only put more pressure on you. As much as you can, let go all thoughts of being hopeless, worthless, useless and empty. They are the symptoms. They are not the real you. Underneath you are still the same person you have always been.
I often say it's bit like the 'flu. You feel horrible, ache everywhere, get very touchy about life and extremely grumpy. The 'flu ends after a few days, unlike depression.So try to remember that it is an illness that you will get over with help. It will take a bit longer than most, but you will get there.
Under the tabs at the top of the page you can find lots of information about depression. Spend some time browsing through the fact sheets. Beyond Blue will post out to you, free of charge, any of the publications you would like. Also ask for the fact sheets for family and friends as this information may help them to help you.
Not being qualified, medically or psychologically, I cannot give you a definitive answer about chemical imbalance. But think of it in the same way as an illness such as diabetes. Part of that problem is the lack of production of enough insulin in the body. But this is compounded by our eating habits, or often caused by our eating habits. Depression isn't caused by what you do or don't eat, but because our brains supply less of the 'happiness' chemical and we become depressed. Anti depressants are often prescribed for this reason, although not always the whole answer.
Write in again
Mary
