Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes (inherited), behaviors you learn at home, or both. Even if your genes make you more likely to develop depression, a stressful or unhappy life event usually triggers the depression.
Many factors can cause depression, including:
Alcohol or drug abuse
Medical conditions and treatments, such as: Certain types of cancer Long-term pain Sleeping problems Steroid medications Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Stressful life events, such as: Abuse or neglect Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend Certain types of cancer Death of a relative or friend Divorce, including a parent's divorce Failing a class Illness in the family Job loss Long-term pain Social isolation (common cause of depression in the elderly)
What causes Depression?
Depression often runs in families. This may be due to your genes (inherited), behaviors you learn at home, or both. Even if your genes make you more likely to develop depression, a stressful or unhappy life event usually triggers the depression.
Many factors can cause depression, including:
Alcohol or drug abuse
Medical conditions and treatments, such as: Certain types of cancer Long-term pain Sleeping problems {{NAME}} medications Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Stressful life events, such as: Abuse or neglect Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend Certain types of cancer Death of a relative or friend {{ORGANIZATION}}, including a parent's divorce Failing a class Illness in the family Job loss Long-term pain Social isolation (common cause of depression in the elderly)