Causes of Depression

There are many causes of depression.  Here are some common causes:

1. Childhood Trauma - painful or stressful situations from childhood could impact the way your body reacts to fear or stressful situations.  Examples of childhood trauma is physical & mental abuse.
2. Family History - You're at a higher risk for developing depression if you have a family history.
3. Medical Conditions - specific medical conditions put you at higher risk such as ADHD, insomnia, and chronic pain.
4. Drug Use - About 20% of people who have a substance abuse problem also run the risk of experiencing depression according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness.
5. Brain Structure - there's a greater risk for depression if the frontal lobe of the brain is less active.  The frontal lobe of the brain controls emotional expressions, problem solving, memory, language, judgment, and sexual behaviors.  
6. Life Events - loss of a job, loss of a loved one, financial issues, and abuse are all events that can happen in life that trigger depression.  Even events like retiring, getting married, graduation can trigger depression, despite being happy occasions.