Depression interferes with a person’s daily living, leaving him/her distressed, hopeless and helpless. Specific reasons that cause depression in people are still not known. Depression may be triggered by negative events like loss of a dear one, loss of job, divorce, accident and injuries, diseases and other such. Some people are more vulnerable while some may easily handle themselves.
Depression Causes
There are many types of depression and cause of each depression may be different. The major reasons that are more likely to cause depression are:
Situational factors
Different traumatic situations, problems or an important changes surrounding life can cause depression most of the times. A person has a certain level of coping strength to deal with stress and trauma. When the event causes trauma that exceeds the capability of the person, he/she goes through depression. This form of depression can also be known as Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Not only traumatic events, but good incidents like getting married, graduating or having children can also trigger depression. Some events that can commonly cause depression are:
- Loss and bereavement of a beloved one
- An accident
- Occurrence of Serious illnesses
- Events of abuse
- Experiencing violent events
- Occurrence of a natural disaster
- Loss of job, retirement and financial difficulties
- Divorce and relationship failures
- Moving to a new place
These are just few examples of such events .Many other such relatable incidents can occur in life which can cause depression in people.
Brain mechanisms
Many studies have stated that a depressed person’s brain loses volume at several regions but got back to normal after treatment. Though the specific cause has still not been clearly defined, it is assumed that neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine influence the emotions of happiness in a person. Recent research studies have pointed out that a change in the neurotransmitters functioning may contribute to cause depression. Antidepressants help to balance these neurotransmitters, especially serotonin. A major head injury, surgery or accident may also cause the change in the emotions and thinking process, and cause depression.
Genetic Factors
Studies have suggested that people can inherit depressive disorders from bloodline too. It has been studied that people who have a family member suffering from depression previously, are more likely to develop depression rather than those who don’t have.
Hormonal Factors
Another major cause for depression can be hormonal changes occurring within the body. Hormonal change occurs with change in bodily processes like pregnancy, birth of a baby, menopause, menstruation, puberty, aging or thyroid illness. There have been cases of mothers isolating themselves from their newborn following postpartum depression. Postpartum depression is a serious form of depression that occurs after the birth of a child.
Seasonal Factors
Depression may also occur with the change in the season. Many people tend to feel distressed when winter or summer arrives. The body feels lethargic and tired and the person may also feel less interested to do his/her regular activities. This is known as Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD).