What Are the Environmental Causes of Severe Depression?

Clinical depression is a mental illness that can be triggered by a variety of things. Although each case of severe depression is different, in many cases environmental factors can contribute to the depression. Assessing possible environmental causes may be helpful in resolving and treating clinical depression.

Stress

• According to the Mayo Clinic, one contributing factor for severe depression can be stress. Environmental stresses can include work related stress, problems with a relationship, or stress because of financial difficulties.

Grief

• Grief is also cited by the Mayo Clinic as a contributing factor to severe depression. Grief can come from a variety of sources, including the loss of a loved one, pet, or a major financial loss.

Childhood

• Difficulties during childhood can contribute both to severe depression during childhood and later in life. Childhood factors that can contribute to depression include abuse, financial and social stresses, and witnessing violent acts.

Prescriptions

• A number of prescription drugs can also contribute to severe depression. Drugs that can sometimes contribute to depression include barbiturates, sleeping pills, anti-convulsants, beta blockers and some pain killers.

Lifestyle

• Lifestyle choices can also sometimes contribute to severe depression. Alcohol is a depressant and excessive use of alcohol can be a contributing factor to severe depression.

Toxins

• New research has linked some cases of depression to exposure to environmental toxins. Farmers working with pesticides have a six-fold increase in depression, according to the Annals of Epidemiology.