How Does One Get Depression?

No one knows for certain why people experience depression, but there are some risk factors that research suggests can increase the risk of depression. Such risk factors include:

• Genetic factors – those who have a family member with depression are of higher risk
• Biological factors – certain illnesses, such as chronic alcohol consumption, low thyroid levels, or brain injury, can lead to depression
• Environmental factors – long term struggles in life with financial, interpersonal relationships, and work problem may contribute to depression
• Personality factors – those who are easily anxious, have low self-esteem, or have had a rough childhood are more prone to the illness