What causes Depression?

There is no single cause of depression. It often involves a complex interaction of biological, psychological and social factors.
Depression can often be a response to a situation when something very distressing has happened, particularly if you cannot do anything to control the situation such as:
Past trauma or abuse – e.g. child sexual abuse, physical abuse etc
Current trauma or abuse – e.g. domestic violence
Relationship break up
Having a baby (10 – 15% or women experience depression after childbirth)
Loss of job, difficulty finding a job
Having an accident that results in disability
Significant loss e.g. death of a loved one
Developing a long-term physical illness (or caring for someone with this)
Being a victim of crime


Depression can also occur from…

A medical condition e.g. Stroke, Parkinson’s disease
The side effects of certain medication/drugs
The stress of having another mental health issue (e.g. severe anxiety, schizophrenia)
Alcohol abuse or drug abuse
Changes in hormone levels
Lack of exposure to bright lights in winter (seasonal affective disorder)
Some people will experience depression in a distressing situation whereas other may not – some people may be more prone to it where as other people may be more resilient to it. Studies have shown that those most prone to developing depression are women, people with depression running in their family, and people who have experienced abuse during childhood (sexual, physical or emotional).