What Is Depression Caused From?

Depression is a serious disorder that affects the health of both your mind and your body, and can cause significant difficulties in your ability to go about normal daily activities such as taking care of yourself and working at a job. The causes of depression include imbalances of certain chemicals in your brain, genetic factors and environmental situations. Consider this information from the Mayo Clinic about the causes of depression.

Chemical Imbalances

• Imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in your brain, such as serotonin which moderate your moods, may cause depression by causing physical changes in your brain.

Hormonal Imbalances

• Imbalances in levels of certain hormones, such as the levels of estrogen and progesterone in women, may cause depression, especially between the teenage years and menopause.

Post-Partum

• Sudden changes of hormones after giving birth may cause depression in new mothers, which requires medical evaluation to prevent life-threatening consequences in both mother and child.

Family History

• A family history of depression, especially if it occurs in your immediate family members, may increase your risk of depression as well.

Grief

• Grief from emotional events, such as death of your spouse, parent or child, a traumatic event such as a house fire, or marital separation or divorce, may trigger depression.

Stress

• Chronic stress is a common cause of depression, and may result from problems at home, work or financial difficulties that last for an extended period of time.

Chronic Diseases

• Chronic diseases, including HIV and AIDS, cancer, heart disease and dementia, may cause the development of depression if they are not well managed.