The causes of depression have long been debated. Some think that depressive disorders are genetic. This seems to be the case with bipolar disorder although depression can also occur in people who have no family history of it. Others say that stressors in the environment can cause depression. A lack of self-confidence, difficult relationships, a serious loss, financial problems and a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors can also trigger a depressive episode.
Women experience depression about twice as often as men.
Hormonal factors, menstrual cycle changes, pregnancy, miscarriage, menopause, single parenthood can contribute to the higher rate. On the other hand, men are less likely to admit to being depressed or to seek help for it, but 3 to 4 million men are affected by the illness. The suicide rate among men is 4 times that among women, though more women attempt it. After the age of 70, the rate of men's suicide rises. Depression in the elderly is often dismissed as a normal part of aging and, when left untreated, can cause needless suffering for the individual and their family.