Risk factors People are more at risk of becoming depressed if they are under a lot of stress, have no one to share their worries with, and lack practical support. Past events, such as the death of a parent in childhood, being abused or neglected as a child can also increase the risk of depression. Biological factors Depression often runs in families due to genetic factors. Someone with a close relative who suffers from depression has a higher than normal risk of becoming depressed themselves. Girls and women are more likely than boys and men to suffer from depression.
Depression seems to be linked with chemical changes in the part of brain that controls mood.
These changes prevent normal functioning of the brain and cause many of the symptoms. There are a lot of things that can be done to help people who suffer from depression. Helping yourself Simply sharing worries with someone who understands can lighten the burden. It can also make it easier to work out practical solutions to problems. Often, depression is connected with a particular problem which needs practical help from professionals.