Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It affects how you feel, think, and be have and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.
There are many different causes of depression, but the two main ones are biological factors and life experiences. Biological factors include things like your genes, hormones, brain chemistry, and neurotransmitters. Life experiences can include things like trauma, abuse, or major life changes. Depression doesn’t have one single cause – it’s often a combination of several factors.
Stressful events. Most people take time to come to terms with stressful events, such as bereavement or a relationship breakdown
It is perfectly normal to feel down after a stressful event. In fact, it would be strange if you didn’t. However, for some people, the sadness doesn’t go away and they start to feel depressed.
There are two main causes of depression: stressful life events and chemical imbalances in the brain. Most people who suffer from depression will have experienced one or both of these things.
Stressful life events can trigger depression in susceptible people. These events might be positive, like getting married or having a baby, or negative, like losing your job or going through a divorce. They can also be ongoing stressors, such as caring for a sick relative or living in poverty.
For some people, the sadness and low mood that come after a stressful event are just temporary and they eventually start to feel better on their own. But for others, the feelings don’t go away and they become depressed. This is because their brain chemistry has changed as a result of the stress and they now have less serotonin – the ‘happy hormone’ – available to them. This chemical imbalance can lead to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and despair which characterize clinical depression. If you think you might be depressed after experiencing a stressful event then it’s important to see your GP who will be able to recommend treatment options..
Personality
Personality plays a big role in whether or not someone will develop depression. People who tend to be more pessimistic, anxious, or introverted are more likely to experience depression at some point in their lives. This is because these personality traits make it harder for people to cope with stress and difficult life events. When something bad happens, people with these personality traits may dwell on it more and have a harder time moving on. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can eventually lead to depression.
Life events are also a major cause of depression. Experiencing trauma, such as the death of a loved one or being the victim of abuse or violence, can trigger depression. Other stressful life events, such as divorce or job loss, can also lead to depression. People who go through several negative life changes in a short period of time may be especially susceptible to developing depressive symptoms.
Family history
A family history of depression may increase a person’s risk. This could be due to genetic factors or environmental factors that are passed down in families. Major life events: Experiencing a major life event, such as the loss of a loved one, can trigger depression.
Giving birth
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. It may also include other symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Depression can have a profound impact on a person’s ability to function at work, home, and in relationships.
There are many different causes of depression, but there are two main types: endogenous depression and exogenous depression. Endogenous depression is thought to be caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. This type of depression is often genetic and runs in families. Exogenous depression occurs as a result of an external event or stressor, such as the death of a loved one, financial problems, or relationship issues.
Most people with depression will experience some form of both types at different points in their lives. For example, someone who has endogenous depression may become more susceptible to exogenous events after experiencing several stressful life events.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drugs are two of the most common causes of depression. Alcohol is a depressant, and it can cause changes in brain chemistry that lead to depression. Drugs can also cause changes in brain chemistry, and they can also be addictive, which can make depression worse.
Illness
A major depressive disorder is not the same as a passing bout of sadness or “the blues.” It’s more severe and lasts longer than these other conditions. Major depression may cause you to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, feel hopeless, have trouble concentrating or sleeping, or even have suicidal thoughts.
The exact cause of major depression is unknown. However, it’s thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological (physical), environmental (social or psychological), and even spiritual factors.