Dear OneBigHeathlyMan:

My wife us under significant stress at work. Her parents are suffering from major medical illnesses. I am worried that the chronic stress is going to make her depressed. Is it possible to experience depression from perpetual stress?

Although, medical researchers attribute depression to three key elements, genetics, environmental and a chemical imbalance, the precise cause of depression is not completely known. Based on specific temperaments and personality types, certain individuals are more susceptible under stress because of their personality characteristics or temperament. Consequently, chronic or persistent stress can potentially make people who are more vulnerable at higher risk of anxiety, depression and other emotional difficulties.

Researchers and scientists have discovered that the modifications in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland of the brain play an important role in stress-related emotional conflicts. Keeping a clear state of mind necessitates adequate sleep, nutritional eating habits, and regular exercise without an over-indulgence of substances.

People, who experience chronic stress, should contact a physician or licensed therapist to consider alternative to reduce the negative effects and feeling of stress before it deteriorates your health.

Depression Insider:

Over the last decade, exercise has earned a healthy reputation. From high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, other diseases to depression, innumerous research validates that physical activity improves the adverse effects of certain specific mental conditions; including anxiety as well as depression. Subsequent to a depressive or anxiety episode, a number of clinical trials have noted that regular exercise may help prevent a relapse. The findings of the research depicted that a minimum of 30 minutes of regular exercise (between three to five days a week) drastically quells the symptoms of depression