There is no single cause of depression. It can stem from any number of factors from genetics to neurological causes to life experiences. A common explanation for the cause of depression is “chemical imbalances in the brain”. Although this is true, it is only a portion of the complexity of depression. Despite the complexity of the causes of depression, there are also some general causes that can lead to an individual experiencing depression:

• Genetics – People who have a family history of depression can often develop it themselves. This may be due to the genes themselves or a person may become depressed if they are constantly surrounded by other people who are depressed in the family.
• Traumatic Events – Traumatic events such as being the victim of a crime or an accident that leaves you with lifelong consequences can all be a cause of depression.
• Abuse – People who have been abused physically, emotionally, or sexually at any point in their lives are highly likely to suffer from depression during and after the abuse.
• Grief and Loss – The loss of a child, a loved one, or a pet can often plunge people into depression when they are grieving.
• Illnesses – Debilitating illnesses such as chronic diseases / pain or disabilities are a major cause of depression in many people.
• Medication – Medications such as Corticosteroids can disrupt the delicate chemical balance in the body and lead to depression.
• Age – As people grow older, the possibility of becoming depressed increase. This usually results from loneliness, isolation, and an inability to perform daily tasks the way they did when younger.
• Conflicts – Personal conflicts within family members and loved ones can cause depression. These may often turn into abuse or cause people to become isolated which can escalate the depression.