What Causes Depression?

Depression can affect anyone at almost any age. And the reasons why some people grow depressed isn't always known. But, researchers suspect there are many causes of depression and it isn't always preventable.

Causes of depression is an imbalance in the brain’s signaling chemicals. In such people , the levels of certain brain chemicals are thought to be out of balance. There are a number of factors that may increase the chance of depression, including the following:

1. Abuse

Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression. Researchers have noted differences in the brains of people who have a clinical depression as compared to those who do not. For instance, the hippocampus, a small part of the brain that is vital to the storage of memories, appears to be smaller in some people with a history of depression than in those who've never been depressed.

2. Physical Health Problems

The mind and the body are clearly linked. If you are experiencing a physical health problem you may discover changes in your mental health as well. Illness is related to depression in two ways. The stress of having a chronic illness may trigger an episode of major depression.

In addition, certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, Addison's disease, and liver disease, can cause depression symptoms.

3. Grief and Loss

Following the loss of a loved one, grieving individuals experience many of the same symptoms of depression. Trouble sleeping, poor appetite, and a loss of pleasure or interest in activities are a normal response to loss.

The symptoms of grief are expected to subside over time. But when symptoms get worse, grief may turn into depression.

4. Stressful Life Events

Stressful life events, which overwhelm a person's ability to cope, may be a cause of depression.

Researchers suspect high levels of the hormone cortisol, which are secreted during periods of stress, may affect the neurotransmitter serotonin and contribute to depression.

5. Academic Stress

Teens are under an enormous amount of pressure to succeed academically, especially as the costs of higher education rise and more families are reliant upon scholarships to help offset the expense. Stressing over classes, grades and tests can cause you to become depressed, especially if you’re expected to excel at all costs or are beginning to struggle with your course load.

6. Conflict

Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.A family’s style of interacting with different family members, the family environment (e.g. a broken home) as well as the family’s coping patterns may increase an individual’s vulnerability to a depressive disorder.