Causes
Depression is caused by imbalances of the chemicals that help to send messages
in the brain. These chemicals in our brain also help to regulate our emotions,
behavior, and thinking. Depression is not the result of personal weakness or
an inability to cope.
Depression has a strong genetic component (i.e., family history). While the
tendency to be depressed is genetically inherited, the onset of depression can
be provoked by many factors.
Triggers of depression include:
- difficult or traumatic life changes (such as losing a loved one)
- medical conditions such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, chronic pain, and
some types of cancer
- use of certain medications, including corticosteroids, anabolic steroids,
narcotics, benzodiazepines, and street drugs such as amphetamines
- progesterone (found in some female hormonal pills)
- alcohol, which has short-term and possibly long-term depressive effects