When experiencing depression, many people say that they feel as if a black curtain has come down over their life. They report feeling alone and not knowing where to turn for help. But depression is common - approximately 8 percent of adults have reported being in a depressive state at some point within the past year. Depression affects people in many different ways and there are many reasons why people become in this state.
Why do people become depressed?
• Genetics play a major role in depression. Research has shown that it runs in families. Some people inherit genes that cause them to be at a greater risk for depression. However, not everyone that inherits such genes will become depressed and many people do have the disease without any family history.
• Traumatic and stressful life events are also leading causes of depression. Struggling to cope with the death of a loved one can often lead to despair. The same is true when trying to cope with the breakup of a relationship or financial difficulties. Sometimes the stress associated with moving or changing jobs can even cause one to become depressed.
• The conditions of one's family and social environment can also play a role in their mental health. A negative, stressful, or unhappy family environment can lead to depression. This includes when one is forced to deal with issues such as poverty, homelessness, and family violence.
• People with low self-esteem and a negative outlook on life are also more likely to become depressed.
• Serious medical conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and HIV can cause one to become depressed. The physical weakness and stress that are associated with such conditions can allow mental disease to easily set in.
• Other psychological conditions, especially substance abuse, can cause the onset of depression. Alcohol and drugs can change the chemical makeup of the brain, causing depressive effects. Substance abuse also has negative social and persona
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