In this article, I want to discuss some of the things which experts believe to be the causes of depression. I have stated "believed to be the cause" as it is still common knowledge that the exact causes of depression are unknown.
Depression affects many people and is believed to be caused by a combination of factors. But there is no clear answer as to why people who have had similar experiences in life may become depressed while others do not. In each individual, there is a pattern of factors that work with each other in a very complex way to either cause or prevent the onset of depression.
The triggers which have caused the onset of depression in some people, are often able to be specified. But with other people, the depression manifests itself for no apparent reason, even if their lives are apparently going well.
Some external events which are thought to lead to depression are; grief due to the death of a loved one, retirement, legal problems and financial problems. The death of a loved one however, may not necessarily lead to a full-blown case of depression.
Genetic factors are now believed to contribute to the onset of depression in some cases. That is, if a persons family has a history of depression, then they are more likely to become depressed. People with this genetic susceptibility, may be more likely to become depressed if they experience a very unsettling event in their life.
Researchers also believe that an imbalance of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, leads to depression. When the functioning of certain chemicals in the brain is disturbed, depression will often occur.
It is also thought that other medical illnesses such as thyroid problems and strokes may lead to depression. Treatments for high blood pressure, birth control pills and the use of steroids have also been implicated in the causes of depression.
Last but certainly not least, commonly used and abused substances such as alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and other illicit drugs are also thought to be contributors to the onset of depression.
As always, I wish to remind anyone reading this article, that if you think that you are suffering from depression, please seek the advice of your doctor as soon as you can.
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