What causes depression?

Although depression can be heredity, more often it is brought on by stress and other outside factors. Women are 50% more likely to be depressed than men, most likely due to hormonal triggers. Examples of hormonal triggers would be post partum depression, menstrual cycles, menopause, etc. Children can also be depressed, due largely to pressures at school or at home, peer pressure, etc. Depression symptoms can be severe enough to bring on suicidal intentions. In severe situations, medications or therapy would be required. In most cases, though, depression is a temporary state-of-mind that can be triggered by anything stressful - not enough sleep, work overload, financial problems, family difficulties, holidays, etc. If concerned about the severity or prolonged periods of depression, check with your physician to see if medical treatment is required.

The causes of depression are not fully known. Most likely a combination of genetic, biologic, and environmental factors are at work.