Depression causes due to a complex interaction between the biological, psychological, and social environment of a person. The complex blend of these factors could increase the chances of having depression. It’s common for depression to begin in the teenage years. Depression can be a long-lasting condition, with people experiencing depression in multiple episodes over time.
The factors that interact to cause depression include:
- Biological: Some types of depression can be found running down in families, suggesting that depression can be inherited. Research indicates that people with families with a history of anxiety or depression are more likely to have depression. In addition, chances of experiencing depression can rise to three times if one of the parents has it. Though there are strong links between depression and genetics, people with no family history of depression too may experience it. Whether inherited or not, depression can bring changes in brain structure and its functioning.
- Psychological: Certain traits have been strongly connected to a person’s chances of having depression. Someone might be more likely to experience depression if they experience a high level of moodiness or tend to ruminate, or fixate on certain thoughts, tend to act impulsively, or consider being pessimistic or have low self-esteem. It’s surely possible to have one of these traits and not experience any depression. But in cases where one can experience one or more of these traits, it is more likely to develop depression compared to someone who doesn’t have any of these traits.
- Environmental: In some cases, depression can also be seen triggered by seasonal changes. This kind of depression is called major depressive disorder with seasonal patterns. For people with this condition, the depression symptoms are triggered by seasonal changes. While many people experience this during the cold and dark months of winter, it can occur in any season.
Treatment for depression depends on what type of depression you’re experiencing. One can feel difficult to cope with depression symptoms as those symptoms can negatively affect your motivation and energy. Ketamine infusions help treat depression within hours of treatment and have even been found to be successful in cases where antidepressants are ineffective.
