Heredity certainly plays a role. .The tendency to develop depression may be inherited; there is evidence that this disorder may run in families.
Physiology is another factor related to depression. There may be changes or imbalances in chemicals which transmit information in the brain called neurotransmitters. Many modern antidepressant drugs attempt to increase levels of certain neurotransmitters so as to increase brain communication. While the causal relationship is unclear; it is known that antidepressant medications do reliever certain symptoms of depression.
Researchers also study psychological factors. They include the complex development of one’s personality and how one has learned to cope with external environmental factors, such as stress. It is freeqently observed that low self-esteem and self-defeating thinking are connected with depression. While it is not clear which is the cause and which is the effect, it is known that sufferers who are able to make corrections to their thinking patterns can show improved mood and self-esteem.
Another factor causing depression is one’s early experiences. Events such as the death of a parent, the divorce of the parents, neglect, chronic illness, and severe physical abuse can also increase the likelihood of depression later in life.
Some present experiences may also lead to depression. Job loss, financial difficulties, long periods of unemployment, the loss of a spouse or other family member, or other painful events may trigger depression. Long-term stress at home, work, or school can also be involved.
It is worth nothing that those living with someone suffering from \depression experience increased anxiety which adds to the possibility of their also becoming depressed.
| Depression-causing Factors | Problem Description | Solution |
| Heredity | It is inherited and run in families. | |
| Physiology | changes or imbalances in chemicals called neurotransmitters, which transmit information in the brain | Antidepressant drugs relieve certain symptoms of depression. |
| Psychological Factors | Low self-esteem and self-defeating thinking are connected with depression. | Sufferers who make correction to their thinking patterns can show improved mood and self-esteem. |
| Early Experiences | Event like the death of a parent, the divorce of parents, neglect, chronic illness, and severe physical abuse can increase the likelihood of depression. | |
| Present Experiences | Job loss, financial difficulties, long periods of unemployment, the loss of a spouse or other family member, or long-term stress may trigger depression. | |
| Living with somebody with depression | This causes increased anxiety, which adds to the possibility of their also becoming depressed. |
