Certain medical illnesses, such as stroke, heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes and hormonal disorders. Medications for various medical illnesses can cause clinical depression. Drugs or alcohol abuse. Other psychiatric conditions, such as panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prolonged and severe stress such as relationship problems, unemployment, financial difficulty.
Clinical depression requires professional treatment.
Talking to friends, family members and clergy can often give people the support needed when going through life's difficult times. You can't treat it on your own. Some people are embarrassed to get help, or don't want to discuss their feelings. People with clinical depression often do not have the motivation or energy to seek treatment. It is very important that friends and family help.