Delta4Embassy
Gold Member
As a result of Robin Williams' suicide, and discussions about clinical depression I thought a thread to discuss it (as opposed to going way off-topic in other threads would be a good idea.
Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff
* Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
* Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may be associated with depressive symptoms.
* Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.
* Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
* Life events. Traumatic events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial problems, high stress, or childhood trauma can trigger depression in some people.
Depression (major depression) Causes - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic
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Illness
You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease or cancer.
Head injuries are also an often under-recognised cause of depression. A severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.
Some people may have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) due to problems with their immune system. In rarer cases a minor head injury can damage the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that produces thyroid-stimulating hormones.
This can cause a number of symptoms, such as extreme tiredness and a loss of interest in sex (loss of libido), which can in turn lead to depression.
Personality
You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical. This may be due to the genes you've inherited from your parents, or because of your personality or early life experiences.
Family history
If someone else in your family has suffered from depression in the past, such as a parent or sister or brother, then it's more likely you will too.
Giving birth
Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.
Loneliness
Becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.
Alcohol and drugs
Some people try to cope when life is getting them down by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.
Cannabis helps you relax, but there is evidence that it can bring on depression, especially in teenagers.
And don't be tempted to drown your sorrows with a drink. Alcohol is categorised as a "strong depressant" and actually makes depression worse.
Clinical depression - Causes - NHS Choices
Causes
By Mayo Clinic Staff
* Biological differences. People with depression appear to have physical changes in their brains. The significance of these changes is still uncertain, but may eventually help pinpoint causes.
* Brain chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may be associated with depressive symptoms.
* Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Hormone changes can result from thyroid problems, menopause or a number of other conditions.
* Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have this condition. Researchers are trying to find genes that may be involved in causing depression.
* Life events. Traumatic events such as the death or loss of a loved one, financial problems, high stress, or childhood trauma can trigger depression in some people.
Depression (major depression) Causes - Diseases and Conditions - Mayo Clinic
_________
Illness
You may have a higher risk of depression if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, such as coronary heart disease or cancer.
Head injuries are also an often under-recognised cause of depression. A severe head injury can trigger mood swings and emotional problems.
Some people may have an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) due to problems with their immune system. In rarer cases a minor head injury can damage the pituitary gland, a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that produces thyroid-stimulating hormones.
This can cause a number of symptoms, such as extreme tiredness and a loss of interest in sex (loss of libido), which can in turn lead to depression.
Personality
You may be more vulnerable to depression if you have certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical. This may be due to the genes you've inherited from your parents, or because of your personality or early life experiences.
Family history
If someone else in your family has suffered from depression in the past, such as a parent or sister or brother, then it's more likely you will too.
Giving birth
Some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy. The hormonal and physical changes, as well as added responsibility of a new life, can lead to postnatal depression.
Loneliness
Becoming cut off from your family and friends can increase your risk of depression.
Alcohol and drugs
Some people try to cope when life is getting them down by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. This can result in a spiral of depression.
Cannabis helps you relax, but there is evidence that it can bring on depression, especially in teenagers.
And don't be tempted to drown your sorrows with a drink. Alcohol is categorised as a "strong depressant" and actually makes depression worse.
Clinical depression - Causes - NHS Choices