There is no single, but multiple causes of depression and psychiatrists believe it is more likely to be a combination of different influences such as biological factors (genetics, hormones or a chemical imbalance) and environmental factors (traumatic life events or situations).
Ongoing depression can result in an inability to maintain relationships, social withdrawal or an increase in addictive behaviours or unhealthy coping mechanisms.
When the repercussions of depression begin to escalate, sufferers can become even more helpless and unable to see a way out of their situation.
Childhood depression – Depression in teenagers can be a result of factors such as neglect or abuse, poor parenting, changes to family life such as the birth of a sibling, bullying or moving to a new school.
Teenage depression – can be caused by going through puberty, stresses of study, introduction to harmful substances, bullying, dating or new social situations.
Antenatal and postpartum depression – can be caused by rapid hormonal changes and the stresses associated with pregnancy, labour and birth.
Depression in elderly – can be caused by genetics, past life experiences, poor health or social isolation, and loneliness. Depression in the physically ill – can be caused by prescription medications or experiencing traumatic life changing events such as cancer, heart attack etc.