There isn’t always an obvious cause of depression. But, as with any illness, some people can be more susceptible than others. If someone in your family has experienced depression before, it’s more likely that you will. The older you get, it seems, the more likely you are to suffer from depression. And difficult social and economic circumstances can also play a part. Loneliness, certain illnesses – like cancer or heart disease – and alcohol and drug use can all increase your risk of experiencing depression. In some cases, depression is caused by a trigger event, such as the death of a loved one, going through a divorce, or having a baby. At other times, there simply is no ‘reason’.