Causes For Mental Depression

There are many causes for mental depression, a condition marked by prolonged stress and sadness. While everyone experiences sadness at some point, depression lasts an abnormal length of time and interferes with your ability to complete daily activities. It is a mental illness triggered by a change in the chemistry of the brain and must be treated accordingly. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disorder affects nearly 12 million American adults every year.

Social

• Depression can be caused by loneliness, a perceived lack of support from friends or family, an overdependence on others and a hypersensitivity to rejection.

Stress

• Continually high stress levels can cause depression. Stress can be caused by financial difficulties, marital strife, relationship problems, trauma, abuse, underemployment, pregnancy, or any other physical, mental or emotional situation.

Personality

• Some personality types are more susceptible to depression. People who think negatively, are pessimistic, worry a lot, have low-self esteem or feel superior to others are more likely to be depressed.

Medical

• Imbalances in chemicals or hormones can cause depression. People with vitamin deficiencies, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems,and Alzheimer's are also more likely to be depressed.

Medications

• Certain medications, such as Prednisone, sleeping pills, antibiotics and birth control pills can contribute to depression.