Biology: Some people may have a genetic predisposition making them more susceptible towards developing depression. However, having this does not necessarily mean that you will get depressed. Often there is a family member or close relative who has had depression. Physical factors, such as a prolonged illness or other medical conditions can contribute to depression.
Past Experiences: Sometimes difficult experiences in our past may make us more prone to developing depression. Experiences such as losing a parent when we’re very young, having grown up with a parent who is mentally ill or abuses drugs or alcohol, or experiencing neglect or abuse in our past can make us more prone to depression.
Recent Events: Sometimes difficult events, in combination with other factors, may precipitate an episode of depression. Events like the death of someone we love, not doing as well as we wish in school or sports, having trouble getting along with friends or parents, a recent move or change of schools, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, or being in a relationship that is unhappy or abusive can all contribute to a depressive episode.
The Way We Think: The way we think about things can contribute to the development of depression. These include focusing on the negative things and ignoring the positive; misinterpret things around us in negative ways, being unnecessarily critical of ourselves, and negative beliefs about ourselves, the world, and the future.
It’s important to understand that there are many possible causes of depression, each contributing by varying amounts towards any one person becoming depressed. For some people, genetics may play the largest role; for others, current stressors may be the primary factor. For most people it is a combination of several factors. Note that it is not necessary to match a specific treatment to the person’s primary cause of depression. Treatments unrelated to the primary cause of the person’s depression may nonetheless be helpful in alleviating it.
