What Causes Depression?

Depressive disorder, commonly referred to as depression, is a prevalent mental health condition that impacts your thoughts, emotions, and actions. It leads to intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that persist for at least two weeks, accompanied by various behavioral and physical symptoms, often hindering daily functioning and diminishing overall life satisfaction.

Depression doesn’t have a single cause; rather, it is influenced by multiple factors that can increase the likelihood of experiencing it. Researchers suggest that a mix of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological elements can contribute to the development of depression. In the United States, about one in six people are affected by this condition, and understanding the risk factors can be beneficial in seeking necessary support to effectively manage depression for yourself or a loved one.

Is Depression Hereditary?

According to some experts, there is a hereditary aspect to depressive disorder, implying that depression and other mood disorders tend to run in families. If you have a parent or sibling who has experienced depression, research indicates that you are two to three times more likely to be diagnosed with depression at some point in your life as well.

Studies also suggest that specific genes can influence your brain chemistry, making you more susceptible to experiencing depressive moods. Neurotransmitters, the chemicals in the brain responsible for nerve cell communication, play a crucial role in this process. When these neurotransmitters are not functioning normally, the risk of developing depression and other mental health conditions increases.

It’s important to note that genetics is just one of several risk factors for depression. Having certain genes does not guarantee that you will suffer from depression, and not everyone with depression has a family history of the condition. Other factors, such as environmental and psychological influences, also contribute to the development of depression.

Who Gets Depression?

Depression can affect anyone, and its onset may not always be predictable. Nevertheless, certain factors are known to raise the likelihood of developing depressive symptoms.

Factors that can increase the risk of depression include:

1. Younger age: Adolescents and young adults are more prone to being diagnosed with depressive disorder.

2. Assigned female at birth: Women are twice as likely as men to experience depressive disorder, possibly due to hormonal fluctuations throughout their menstrual cycle and life stages.

3. Childbirth: Pregnancy and childbirth can elevate the risk of depression, and postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 8 individuals after giving birth. Stressful events during pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or traumatic birth, also contribute to the risk.

4. Chronic health conditions: People with long-term health conditions like cancer, lupus, thyroid disease, and chronic pain are more susceptible to experiencing depression. Having other mental health conditions, such as anxiety, further increases the likelihood of depressive moods.

5. Central nervous system conditions: Individuals with conditions affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injury, are also at a higher risk of developing depression.

6. Substance use: People who use drugs, consume alcohol, or have a pre-existing diagnosis of substance use disorder face an elevated risk of depressive disorder.

Risk Factors

The primary factors that increase the chances of developing depression are stressful life events. While controlling these factors may not always be possible, being aware of these risks is crucial.

Various major life events can be stressful and contribute to the risk of depression. These events encompass environmental and lifestyle changes, such as:

1. The death or loss of a loved one

2. Divorce, break-up, or the end of a relationship

3. Suffering a major injury or illness

4. Losing employment (e.g., being fired or laid off)

5. Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, fires, earthquakes)

6. Acts of violence (e.g., mass shootings, abuse, or assault)

7. Facing financial insecurity or living in poverty

8. Losing your home or experiencing unexpected relocation

9. Transitioning to a new school or college

10. Being involved in an accident

11. Living through a pandemic

12. Dealing with systemic issues, such as sexism, racism, misogyny, or homophobia

13. Taking on the role of the primary caretaker for children, aging parents, or sick family members

Sometimes, events typically viewed as positive—like getting married, buying a house, or becoming pregnant—can also create significant stress and elevate the risk of depression.

Research indicates that individuals with inadequate social support are more prone to developing depression during stressful periods. Thus, to reduce the risk of experiencing depressive moods, it’s essential to make time for communication with loved ones, consider joining a support group, or seek assistance from a mental health professional when facing challenges or stress.

A Quick Review

Depression, a prevalent mental health condition, exerts its influence on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, impacting individuals from various walks of life. Although the precise cause of depression remains elusive, it is evident that a combination of factors contributes to its development, encompassing genetic predisposition, demographic influences, environmental circumstances, lifestyle choices, and psychological aspects.

One significant risk factor for depression lies in familial history. If someone has relatives who have experienced depression, they might be more susceptible to developing the condition themselves. Additionally, gender plays a role, with individuals assigned female at birth being at a higher risk of experiencing depression compared to their male counterparts. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and life stages could contribute to this disparity.

Substance use is another factor that can exacerbate the likelihood of developing depression. Engaging in drug use or alcohol consumption can disrupt brain chemistry, potentially triggering depressive moods. Furthermore, experiencing stressful life events can significantly impact mental well-being. The loss of a loved one, a relationship breakup, financial hardships, or traumatic experiences can all contribute to the onset of depression.

Going through depression can be an arduous and challenging journey, and it is crucial to acknowledge and accept these difficulties. Seeking help and support is not only acceptable but commendable. Understanding the risks associated with depression empowers individuals and their loved ones to be proactive in seeking appropriate support, guidance, and treatment. Whether through therapy, counseling, medication, or a combination of interventions, managing depression symptoms becomes more attainable when equipped with knowledge and a network of caring professionals and loved ones.