5 (of the many) Causes Of Depression

What Is Depression?

Depression is more than just sadness. It's a constant and overwhelming feeling that lasts for longer than two weeks. Depression is often challenging to cope with and can co-occur with other mental health challenges. We are going to discuss some of the factors that are associated with Depression.

It is normal to have depressive feelings every now and then and if they last for short periods of time. When these depressive feelings start affecting your life consistently for long periods of time and in various domains of your life, you might want to discuss the possibility of depression with a mental health professionals. 

Main causes of depression

1. Life events

Life events can range from long existing factors to sudden life events - it all depends on everyone’s individual history. 

Continuing difficulties

These can be any type of long term difficulties that eventually cause depression. For example:

  • Being in an abusive or uncaring relationship

  • Long-term unemployment

  • Prolonged stress because of work or other factors

  • Long-term isolation or loneliness

Continuous difficulties are more likely to cause depression due to their nature.

Recent events

Recent events are less likely to cause depression but might cause depressive feelings. However, they still can cause depression particularly if you are already vulnerable. Stressful and difficult events happen to everyone and they make you more vulnerable to depression. When they happen it is important to not isolate oneself and speak to others to avoid that leading to clinical depression.

  • Losing a job

  • Breakup from a relationship

  • Traumatic experience


2. Personality vulnerability

Personality vulnerabilities can contribute to depression, e.g, our thinking patterns, emotional regulation or behavioural response patterns. Tendencies such as worrying or overthinking can increase your vulnerability to developing depression. Other traits include:

  • Low self-esteem

  • Perfectionism

  • Sensitivity to criticisms / likelihood of personalisation 

  • Tendency to be self-critical


3. Family Mental Health History

There is a specific gene that has been identified to be carried with families with depression.

Having family members with depression can mean that you are more vulnerable to depression. However, just because it's in your genetics it doesn't mean that you will be guaranteed to develop depression. It is important to note that “nature” contribute partly to the development of Depression.


4. Changes in the brain

Depression isn’t singularly caused and isn’t a chemical imbalance in your brain. However, brain activity can contribute to Depression. For example, serotonin are the chemicals in your brain that lead you to being happy. If your brain doesn’t produce enough or the connectors are not strong enough, it can contribute to depression.

5. Alcohol and drugs

Alcohol is a depressant drug, thus it is to be consumed with caution. Alcohol and drug misuse is often a response to having difficulties in regulating emotions. Very often, when alcohol or other drug is misused as a coping mechanism, it poses vulnerability to one developing depression.

Cannabis has been shown to make you relax. However, particularly in teenagers, it can be associated with development of depression.

If you are experiencing from depression or any other mental health challenges, please reach out to our professional psychologists in Melbourne. If someone you know is experiencing depression, you can also reach out to us for advice on how to help them.

If you are unsure how to start, contact our friendly Client Support Team who can run you through the process of finding a suitable psychologist who meets your specific needs.

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