Depression occurs when the neurotransmitters in the brain cause an imbalance with the signals between the brain and the nerves. For some people, they are able to face issues and leave the worry and concern behind. For people who are depressed, they are unable to deal with day-to-day issues properly. They let feelings bottle up inside until despair and sadness take over.
Genetics
Genetics often play a large role in clinical depression. This means that someone who is surfacing as having depression symptoms may have a family member who also suffers from depression or has in the past. This includes parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles. As someone is being diagnosed, a physician may ask the patient if she knows of any family history of depression or anxiety.
Stress
Sometimes stress can be a contributing factor in major depression. This could be caused by family problems, workload on the job, co-workers, marital issues and health problems. Accumulated stress builds up in the body, and sometimes these feelings can trigger depression in some people. Seeking therapy or reaching out for help before the problems get out of hand is just one small step in treating stress-related depression.
Trauma
When someone experiences an excessive trauma or traumatic event such as a death, accident or crime, they can be left with trauma that leads to depression. Once something traumatic happens, making sure to seek out the proper resources through law enforcement, medical care and behavioral therapy will assure that the feelings do not lead to a large-scale bout of depression.
Low Self-Esteem
Sometimes people who suffer from low self-esteem can also be candidates for developing depression. Low self-esteem can stem from childhood, or it can develop over time. Weight gain, a body disfigurement or a change in lifestyle can lead to low self-esteem. Getting therapy to improve self-image and self-worth will help keep depression from getting out of control.
Loss of Job
With many, the loss of a job can lead to feelings of hopelessness, worry and ultimately depression. If there is no quick resolution to the situation, depression can settle in rather quickly. Loss of a job can bring about several feelings of sorrow from not being able to provide financially to not being able to fulfill self-set goals. The longer the person is without a job, the higher the likelihood of developing depression.
