According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is one of the most common health conditions in the world. Its symptoms range in severity depending on the type of depression you are diagnosed with; however, all symptoms can interfere with your ability to function and may even cause serious physical and emotional problems. While there is no known cause, the factors that may increase your risk of developing this condition have been determined.
Family History
According to PsychCentral.com, those with a family history of depressive disorders appear to be at greater risk for developing the disorder themselves. Manic depression and major depression both seem to occur in generations, as stated by eMedTV.com. Families with these types of depression appeared to have a different genetic makeup than those who do not suffer from depression. It should be noted, however, that both of these disorders also occur in people with no family history of them.
Stress
Stress caused by major changes in your life may trigger episodes of depression. These include situations like the ending of a relationship, a death in the family, financial problems or the death of someone close to you.
Not everyone experiencing stressful moments in their life will fall prey to depression; some people are more susceptible to this disorder than others. This includes those with a low self-esteem, those who are sensitive to loss and rejection and those who constantly see themselves and everything around them in a negative light.
Gender
Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression than men, according to PsychCentral.com, mainly because of the hormonal changes taking place throughout their lives. The events involving these hormonal changes include menstruation, pre-menopause and menopause. Pregnancy and its postpartum period also cause severe hormonal changes, as do miscarriages.
Medical Conditions
According to eMedTV.com, certain medical conditions may be an underlying culprit of depression. These include neurological conditions such as epilepsy, stroke, a brain tumor, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and multiple sclerosis. Metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism; hyperthyroidism and diabetes are also included, as are some cancers like pancreatic.
No Support
When you have no circle of support, no one to talk to when times are tough, it can lead to depression. Lack of social support is, in fact, one of the factors of this disorder in both men and women as stated by PsychCentral.com. The site goes on to state that those with little or no social network often become diagnosed with depression, the rate being higher among women who stay home with young children and feel isolated.
