Environmental Causes of Depression

Depression can be caused by many different factors, including those related to one's environment. An environmental cause is something that happens outside of yourself and is not directly related to brain function, genetic factors or any other illness that could cause depression.

Symptoms of Depression

• People who suffer from depression experience prolonged sadness, loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities and an overall feeling of not caring about anything.

Stress

• A buildup of stress can sometimes trigger clinical depression. How someone handles multiple stresses such as a job loss followed by mounting debt and relationship troubles can determine whether or not depression will follow.

Tramautic Events

• The death of a loved one, the loss of a job or living through a natural disaster like a hurricane can all be environmental triggers of depression.

Childhood

• Often, a child who has lived through sexual or physical abuse, a turbulent upbringing, separation from a parent or mental illness in a family member may not have learned the skills necessary to deal with the responsibilities of adulthood. These adults may become depressed because they have not been taught coping skills.

Who Can Help?

• If you are feeling depressed, talk to your primary care doctor, who can direct you to a psychologist or psychiatrist. You can also go to a mental health clinic. If you have thoughts of suicide, go to your nearest emergency room for immediate help.