Understanding depression is the key to treating it. But depression affects everyone differently, which means that how, when, or why someone develops depression isn’t always clear. That said, there are several common causes and risk factors of depression that can help us better understand where depression comes from and how it affects patients on an individual level. Read on to explore some of the most common causes of depression to be aware of.
Genetics and Family History
Individuals with a family history of depression are at a higher risk of developing the condition themselves. However, it isn’t always clear why this is the case. There is no specific depression gene that parents can pass on to their children, but genetics does still play a clear role in the diagnosis of depression. In some cases, depression stems from certain genetic combinations that create a predisposition to depression. In other cases, someone might develop depression because of the environment they grew up in.
Physical Health Problems
Physical and mental health are intertwined. As such, physical health problems—especially chronic health problems—are among the most common causes of depression to be aware of. Physical health problems that cause chronic pain, disrupt your lifestyle, or run the risk of being life-threatening can affect your thoughts, mood, and behavior. In these cases, it’s crucial to find support for both your physical health and your mental health.
Life Events or Traumatic Experiences
Many cases of depression develop after a major life event. For example, many people experience depression after losing a loved one. However, depression can also develop as a result of a breakup, losing a job or changing careers, moving, or other major changes. Traumatic experiences—such as experiencing assault or bigotry—can also be major causes of depression.
This is particularly true for childhood experiences. Abuse, neglect, loss, or other childhood trauma does more than simply create hardship. It can also affect a child’s self-esteem and hinder their emotional and mental development. In turn, this negatively affects the way they deal with emotions and stress, which places them at a higher risk of developing mental health conditions such as depression.
