Mental health myths: causes of depression

I occasionally post about mental health myths. I try to debunk incorrect beliefs about mental illness. This time I am talking about the causes of depression.

Myth: Depression is caused by sad or upsetting events.

Fact: Depression can strike at any time.

Some people believe that depression is caused by something unfortunate happening. This might be a death, a breakup, illness, loss of employment or other difficult life events. While these situations can certainly trigger a depressive episode, they are not the sole cause of depression.

No one knows exactly how mental illness works, and that includes depression. It is generally believed to be a mix of several different factors. Some of the possible contributors are listed below.

• Genetics. You might have inherited more from your parents than your looks or your mannerisms. Having family members with depression increases your risk of developing it. It’s not a straightforward genetic trait, so it’s unpredictable to know who will get it. But if your parents, siblings, grandparents or other blood relatives have struggled with depression, keep an eye out for symptoms in yourself.

• Brain chemistry. The brain chemistry of depressed individuals is different than that those without it. This brings up the whole chicken or the egg argument about whether it’s the chemistry that causes depression or the depression that changes the chemistry. Either way, it is a factor that might contribute to developing a depressive
                                                                                                                               disorder.

• Hormones. Hormonal imbalances are another potential cause of depression. This might be due to thyroid problems, pregnancy, menopause or other changes in ones hormones. Your doctor can look for other symptoms of a hormonal condition and order tests to confirm any suspicions. There are treatments for hormonal imbalances that will by extension alleviate the depression.

• Substance abuse. Depression often goes hand in hand with substance abuse. One estimate is that 30% of people struggling with substance abuse also experience clinical depression. This might partially be because alcohol and drugs can be used to self-medicate, but the effects of these substances on the body can increase chances of depression as well. 

• Taking medication. Some drugs increase the risk of depression. It can be a side effect. If you are feeling depressed and have recently started taking or changed your dose of a medication, talk to your doctor. There might be other medications that treat the same things and won’t cause you to experience depression.

• Stressful events. We’ve already established that negative events can contribute to depression, but positive ones can as well. If it is causing significant stress, it can cause depression. Some events might include getting married, buying a new home, graduating or starting a new job. 

• Social problems. How you interact – or don’t interact – with others can influence depression. If you feel socially isolated or are struggling with interpersonal difficulties, you might become more depressed. Rejection from a social group can be especially triggering.

It is apparent that a variety of factors contribute to depression. It can be affected by genetics, biology, behaviors, events, relationships and more. It can be complicated to pin down what, exactly, is causing a depressive episode, so it is important to be open with your doctor and your therapist. They can help figure out the causes of your depression and recommend appropriate treatment specific to your causes.

To read all the mental health myth segments, click here.

What has triggered depressive episodes for you? Share your stories in the comments.