Top 7 Causes of Depression

Depression is a mood disorder, it is a combination of feelings including anger, loss, sadness, and fear interfering with the person’s daily life leading to time management problems, low productivity, and even physical health problems. Here are the top 7 causes of depression.

7. Family History

Depression can be hereditary. If you have a strong family history of mood disorders generally and depression particularly, you are at high risk for having a mood disorder or develop depression at a certain point in your life. (1, 2, 3, 4)

6. Childhood Trauma

Some childhood traumas are very strong to the extent that they cause huge marks in our lives. Child abuse and domestic violence are the most common early childhood traumas that cause depression in the future. It is the way that our bodies react to such as stressful situation. (5, 6, 7)

5. Brain Structure

If the frontal lobe of the brain is less active than the rest of the brain, the person will likely develop a mood disorder or depression. Studies show that an inactive frontal lobe is associated somehow with depression. (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)

4. Serious Illnesse

Major health problems such as chronic health problems and cancers are associated directly with depression and mood disorders. Studies show that depression can be a trigger for the manifestation of many physical health conditions too. (13, 14, 15, 16)

3. Drug Abuse

Depression is a common symptom of chronic substance abuse. Studies say that 30% of people who abuse drugs are depressed and the rest are depressed at certain points of their lives. Drugs and alcohol make people feel better for a while, but they can exaggerate depression significantly. (17, 18, 19)

2. Personal Problems

Personal problems such as social isolation, financial problems, casting out due to their mental illnesses, or any other personal problem that makes people worried and alone can cause depression either directly or indirectly. This is more dangerous when the problems are life-long. (20, 21, 22, 23)

1. Major Events

Depression is the normal response of our bodies to stressful situations. Any major life event such as divorce, retirement, or a relationship can lead to depression. Surprisingly, studies suggest that even good major events such as graduation and getting married can lead to depression somehow. (24, 25, 26, 27)