Experiencing stress triggers the release of greater amounts of cortisol into the bloodstream (Michaud, Matheson, Kelly, & Anisman, 2008); given that elevated cortisol is linked to depression, this stress-driven rise in cortisol offers a plausible pathway through which stress could help bring on depression.

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Long-term or chronic stress can lead down the path towards depression, affecting appetite, sleep habits, and concentration ability. David Prescott, Ph.D., an associate professor of Health Administration and Public Health at Husson University, states that stress and depression have a casual relationship known to be "bidirectional." Prescott also helps clarify by stating that they can both cause each other. Therefore, stress can cause depression, while also depression can cause stress.

Connection Between Stress and Depression

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Research consistently shows that stressful life events can precipitate depressive episodes. These events often involve significant losses, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, or separation, as well as major difficulties related to health or finances.

Stressful Life Events as Triggers for Depression

A university student is facing a very demanding semester. Initially, they feel overwhelmed by the pressure to meet deadlines. Over several weeks, this student begins to lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, has trouble sleeping, and finds it difficult to focus. This difficulty in focusing makes it even harder to keep up with their work, leading to more intense feelings of being overwhelmed and a persistent sense of sadness. Analyze the dynamic between the student's feelings of being overwhelmed and their persistent low mood. How do these two sets of experiences appear to be influencing each other in this scenario?

Analyzing the Cycle of Pressure and Low Mood

Read the following scenario and analyze the psychological cycle that is likely occurring. Explain how the individual's initial difficulties are being compounded over time.

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