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What are 4 major causes of depression?

alcott
Community Member
Depression is not a condition that has one specific cause. It can happen for many different reasons and have many triggers. Usually, depression doesn't work quickly or suddenly.

The four major causes of depression are:
Family history. ...
Illness and health issues. ...
Medication, drugs, and alcohol. ...
Personality.
4 Replies 4

Banksy92
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

It certainly is as complex as us humans, Alcott. Another major cause I would argue is grief. Trauma, another.

I'm not sure I agree with 'personality', but perhaps biology in some way.

There are many triggers... and many pathways for management and improvement 🙂

mocha delight
Community Member

Hi alcott I have to agree with:

family history (definitely is in the family history on both sides of the family)

health issues

medication (on two medications that has side affect of depression but my psychologist in my recent appointment thinks I’ve had depression since even before when I think it started so even before those two medications)

personality ( apparently I got most of the personality traits that triggers “depression” or however you want to say it.

but my previous gastroenterologist (I have coeliac disease and GORD which is the autoimmune disease side of acid reflux) wasn’t that professional and more recently my sleep specialist I see (I have sleep apnea) has let not just me down big time so that not helped either.

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hello Alcott, I've read on the net what it says but I think there are many 'off shoots' to each particular cause, domestic violence, divorce, bereavement, money, addiction, being bullied, respect, cheating, dominance, favouritism to someone specific, anxiety and the list continues.

Each individual would have their own reason and needs to be taken into account as they may have several of these where one is more dominant one day, then the next something else takes over.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

romantic_thi3f
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi alcott,

Welcome-

I'm really curious where you got this information?

From my understanding, there aren't 4 major causes, but multiple possibilities. It's also a bit unknown, because we can have someone with a family history of depression who gets it and another who doesn't.

Some of the other potential possibilities can include things such as gender, sexuality or socioeconomic status..

A really great conversation; thank you for coming here and starting it.

rt