What Causes Depression?

The causes of depression raise the old nature-nuture debate. Is it a result of a family history (genes) or difficult life experience? The experts say that we must consider nature and nurture when thinking about what causes depression. The following are factors that can lead to depression – all must be considered when answering the question, “What causes depression?”.

Family History

If close family members have experienced depression, you may be susceptible yourself. Your genetic make-up determines – to a large degree – your physiology and you may have an inherited tendency towards changes in your brain chemistry that could result in depression. Your unique physiology is also involved in life changes such as the birth of a baby or menopause – both instances are associated with a greater risk of depression.

Recent Events

A divorce, the death of a loved one, job loss, chronic illness, life changes such as retirement or attending a new school. These events cause stress and conflict.

Past History

Experiences of childhood abuse including sexual, physical or emotional trauma, extreme neglect or abandonment. Also, experiences of trauma in adulthood (recent or past) such as domestic abuse, living with drug or alcohol abuse (in self or family members), rape, robbery, war, kidnapping, or witnessing violence – to name only a few of the traumatic events that people can be exposed to.

Thoughts and Behaviours

You may have evolved a negative world view such as thinking “bad things always happen to me, things never work out no matter how hard I try, I am a bad person, and the world is a bad place.” Thoughts influence mood – and vice versa.

These factors can lead to emotions and behaviours that are typical of depression; low mood, despair, sadness, anxiety and numbness. They can result in reactive behaviours such as social withdrawal and, in some cases, self-medication with drugs or alcohol as you try to manage your symptoms on your own. For example, as many as 40% of people with depression struggle with the over-use of alcohol. In extreme situations, people completely neglect their self-care (they don’t eat properly, don’t shower, and don’t take care of their living space).

All these factors – genetics, difficult life events, personality, negative thoughts, low mood, and unhealthy behaviours – interact with one another, leading to the downward spiral that is called depression.