Depression is caused by a combination of biological and psychological factors, with specific interactions varying from person to person.
Biological factors:
Genetic Factors
Depression often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Individuals may inherit genes making them more vulnerable, though genetic predisposition doesn’t guarantee developing the illness.
Hormones
Hormonal changes in the brain before and during depressive episodes can lead to over- or under-production of hormones, contributing to symptoms. Medication can manage these imbalances effectively.
Brain Chemicals (Neurotransmitters)
Neurotransmitters facilitate communication between nerve cells. During depression, reduced neurotransmitter activity disrupts sleep, appetite, and mood regulation, leading to common symptoms. Antidepressants often increase neurotransmitter levels to alleviate symptoms.
Psychological factors:
Thinking Patterns
Depressive thinking patterns include overstressing negatives, taking responsibility for bad events but not good ones, having inflexible rules about behavior, and assuming others think badly of them.
Loss
Experiences of loss, such as losing a loved one, job, friendship, promotion, or support, can trigger depression. Bereavement, separation, and other significant losses contribute to depressive symptoms.
Sense of Failure
Failing to achieve personal goals, such as academic success, career milestones, or financial gains, can lead to a sense of failure. This perceived failure intensifies feelings of inadequacy and depression.
Stress
Accumulated stress from life events like unemployment, financial worries, relationship issues, physical illness, and major life changes can bring on depression. Understanding and managing these stressors is crucial for mental health.
Although we cannot change our genetic makeup, various strategies exist to overcome or prevent depression. Medication and psychological treatments can be effective. Consult your doctor or mental health practitioner for more details.
This document is for information purposes only. Please refer to the full disclaimer and copyright statement available at Centre for Clinical Interventions, Government of Western Australia, regarding the information form this website before making use of such information.
Don’t suffer in silence. Contact Us today to explore our Comprehensive Services and let us assist you in achieving optimal mental well-being and resilience.
