Causes of Depression

Have you ever wondered what causes clinical depression? Do you consider why some get depressed while other doesn’t?

Depression is an extremely complex disease. It is of medical view that most mental disorders including clinical depression occur by a complex interaction and combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. This theory or belief in some area of thought is called the bio-psycho-social model of causation and is the most generally accepted theory among mental health professionals and researchers.

People with a low self-esteem mentality at times consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism. Such people are readily overwhelmed by stress, are prone to depression mainly because of their mindset. It is not clear whether this represents a psychological predisposition or an early form of the illness.

Loneliness can be considered to be both a physical and emotional stressors. The rates of loneliness are statistically known to be high among the elderly and a sharp increase is on the rising side among the youth. The causes for these are varied depending on your socio-cultural background. Some school of thoughts even refers to poverty as the cause. It is now common to hear youths complain of not having close friends.

Depression is what we can handle with the right frame of mind. At times we expect too much from the goals we set for ourselves, and on accomplishing that goal, we might realize that our expectations are not met. What results is unhappiness which most times lead to depression.

Medically, there is no clear cut on what causes depression, because it can occur for a variety of reasons. It can occur to some people during a serious medical illness, while others might have depression with life changes. It can also occur to others as a result of a move or the death of a loved one. Still, others have a family history of depression. Individual differences occur to some who just are depressed and feel overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness for no just reasons.

What Are The Main Causes Of Depression?

Factors That may likely cause depressions depending on the individual are:-

• Abuse. This can come in any form; either the past physical/sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.
• Certain Medications.  There are some specific drugs, such as isotretinoin (used in treating acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and some corticosteroids that can increase one’s risk of being depressed.
• Conflict. Like humans, some people are easily depressed if they have a conflict with someone close to them, either in the home, in offices, or in the community they lived.
• Death or a Loss. Naturally, sadness or grief arises from the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
• Genetics. Genetically a family history of depression might increase the risk of having it. Some school of thought in psychiatric medicine relates the causes of depression as a complex trait, meaning that there are probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or straightforward as in purely genetic disease such as Huntington’s chorea or cystic fibrous.
• Major Events. Good news or shocking news such as starting a new job, graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. The same thing applies to moving, losing a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. The syndrome of clinical depression is however not a normal response to stressful life events.
• Other Personal Problems. Our social activities have an impact on our well-being. If someone is isolated due to other mental illness or being cast out of a family or social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression.
• Serious Illnesses. Nobody is happy to be sick. Ill-health that lingers on for a while causes depression. At times depression co-exists with a major illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.