Behavioural therapy teaches new ways of responding to problems. Cognitive therapy works on chronic problems and negative attitudes. Self-help groups can also be a valuable support for depressed people, as well as their families and friends. Any mental health professional can provide the names of groups. Several factors may be at work, alone or combined.
Some depressions are at least partly inherited.
Children, brothers and sisters of depressed people are more likely to suffer from depression themselves. Family environment may also play a role. Children growing up with a depressed person may learn unhealthy ways of handling stress. Some depressions may be related to abnormal brain chemistry. Chemical and hormone changes in other parts of the body and some physical ailments can also lead to depression.