What Causes Depression?

There are many different factors which can cause a person to suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Nearly 18 percent of the American population suffers from anxiety disorders or depression. The many causes have been classified into several different categories. Any one or a combination of the categories can have an effect on whether or not a person suffers from depression or anxiety orders. The main categories are brain chemistry, heredity, personality, and life experiences.

Brain Chemistry and Depression

• Brain chemistry can play a large part on whether or not a person suffers from depression or anxiety disorders. Low levels of certain chemicals called neurotransmitters can have a profound effect on whether or not a person can process daily stresses and as such become vulnerable to depression or anxiety disorders.  The amygdala, a special cluster of sensory organs in the brain which process fear and anxiety responses, also affects whether or not a person may suffer from anxiety or depression.

• The amygdala communicates with the sensory parts of the brain to determine the appropriate response to fear, anxiety, or other stresses. Alcohol, caffeine, and drug use have a profound effect on the brain and can alter brain chemistry leading to depression and anxiety disorders. Oftentimes people who use alcohol, caffeine, or drugs experience an increase of their anxiety during the withdrawal phase and then the symptoms of their anxiety disorders cease.

How Heredity Affects Depression?

Hereditary depression or anxiety disorders are the result of certain genes passed on from parent to child. Identical twins have also been known to experience the same type of depression or anxiety. There have been several studies linking certain genes which are passed from generation to generation to the brains ability to process stress or emotions which may lead to anxiety disorders and depression.  Although a parent may suffer from depression or anxiety disorders, it does not necessarily mean the offspring will suffer the same.

Personality Traits and Depression

Individuals who have low self-esteem are often sufferers of chronic depression or anxiety disorders. Many scientists believe personality plays a large role in determining whether or not a person will develop depression or anxiety disorders. It is most often people with low self-esteem or below average coping skills who develop depression or anxiety. People who are shy or introverted can become sufferers of social anxiety disorders and depression due to feeling isolated. Children who develop anxiety disorders or depression can also suffer from long term depression or low self-esteem upon reaching adulthood. 

Life Experiences and Their Effect on Depression

It is said that life experiences determine who a person will become as they reach adulthood. The same thing goes for life experiences affecting whether or not a person will suffer from depression or anxiety disorders. Exposure to certain experiences such as domestic violence, poverty, hardships, or abuse over an extended period of time can lead to a person suffering from depression or anxiety disorders later in life. People who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events can develop post-traumatic stress disorder. Use of certain drugs, alcohol, or caffeine can also contribute to the onset of depression as well. Eliminating the use of drugs, alcohol, and caffeine can aid in curing depression or anxiety disorders.

There are a wide variety of anxiety disorders and depression, however there are equally as many treatment options available to help cure them. Speaking to a qualified healthcare professional will help determine the correct course of action and the appropriate treatment. At times a combination of several different treatments is necessary. Not all anxiety disorders and depression require medication. Some can be cured using different therapies or even herbal remedies.