What causes depression?

Depression is a complex emotional disturbance the exact cause of which has yet to be determined, although research has shown that certain biological and emotional factors increase the chances that a person will develop the disorder. Depression seems to run in some families, and research has shown that genetic factors most likely play a part. Certain personality traits also seem to be linked with development of the disorder, as are environmental stresses. Most likely, it is a combination of several factors which lead to the development of a depressive disorder or episode.

Biological Factors

Depression often runs in families, with generation after generation of a particular family experiencing the disorder. This has led researchers to believe that genetics does play a role in a person’s likelihood of developing depression. Still, while having a parent, grandparent, or other close family member with depression increases the likelihood that someone will also experience depression, some people develop depression without this factor in play. Chemical imbalance is another biological factor that can lead to a depressive disorder.
Learn more about chemical imbalance

Personality Traits

Scientists believe that people with personality traits such as low self-esteem, a negative outlook, and a pessimistic view of life may be more likely to experience depression. It is also more likely to occur in people who are easily overwhelmed by stress. These personality traits can be shaped by childhood experiences such as having an alcoholic parent, being consistently teased by peers, or being raised in an abusive home. Also, most people with depression deal with the irrational core beliefs that they are helpless and unlovable, and these core beliefs may bring on depressive thoughts and emotions. Dealing with these automatic thoughts and irrational core beliefs can help teens overcome their depressed mood.
Learn more about Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Environmental Stresses

There is no direct link shown between bad life experiences and depression, but certain environmental stresses in addition to biological and emotional factors may trigger an episode. The death of a loved one, failing a class, or a parent’s divorce might lead to a prolonged episode of depression, but so can positive stresses such as the first day at a new school or winning a leadership role in a school organization. This is probably because teens who are easily overwhelmed by stress are more likely to develop depression. Environmental factors such as these need not be present for an episode to occur, and many times depression comes on out of the blue for no specific reason