What makes people suffer from depression

Life events Research suggests that continuing difficulties — long-term unemployment, living in an abusive or uncaring relationship, long-term isolation or loneliness, prolonged work stress — are more likely to cause depression than recent life stresses.

Personal factors Family history — Depression can run in families and some people will be at an increased genetic risk. Life circumstances and other personal factors are still likely to have an important influence. Personality — Some people may be more at risk of depression because of their personality, particularly if they have a tendency to worry a lot, have low self-esteem, are perfectionists, are sensitive to personal criticism, or are self-critical and negative.

Drug and alcohol use — Drug and alcohol use can both lead to and result from depression. Many people with depression also have drug and alcohol problems. Over , Australians will experience depression and a substance use disorder at the same time, at some point in their lives.

Other pages in This Section What is mental health? Anxiety and depression checklist K10 Depression What causes depression? Signs and symptoms Types of depression Treatments for depression Who can assist Other sources of support Anxiety Suicide prevention Supporting someone Pregnancy and early parenthood Grief and loss Unemployment and mental health Drugs, alcohol and mental health.

Some is environment, including daylight and seasons, or social and family situations we face. And some is personality, like how we react to life events or the support systems we create for ourselves. All these things can help shape whether or not a person becomes depressed. Research shows that depression runs in families.

Some people inherit genes that contribute to depression. But not everyone who has a family member with depression will develop it too. And many people with no family history of depression still get depressed. So genes are one factor, but they aren't the only reason for depression. Chemicals called neurotransmitters pronounced: nur-oh-TRANZ-mit-urs help send messages between nerve cells in the brain.

Some neurotransmitters regulate mood. When a person is depressed, these neurotransmitters might be in low supply or not effective enough. Genes and brain chemistry can be connected: Having the genes for depression may make a person more likely to have the neurotransmitter problem that is part of depression.

Things like stress, using alcohol or drugs, and hormone changes also affect the brain's delicate chemistry and mood. Some health conditions may cause depression-like symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism is known to cause a depressed mood in some people. Mono can drain a person's energy.

When health conditions are diagnosed and treated by a doctor, the depression-like symptoms usually disappear. Getting enough sleep and regular exercise often has a positive effect on neurotransmitter activity and mood. Daylight affects how the brain produces melatonin and serotonin.

These neurotransmitters help regulate a person's sleep—wake cycles, energy, and mood. When there is less daylight, the brain produces more melatonin. When there is more daylight, the brain makes more serotonin.

People with a family history of depression are more likely to experience it themselves. But you can also become depressed for no obvious reason. Read more about the causes of depression. Treatment for depression can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medicine. Your recommended treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.

If you have mild depression, your doctor may suggest waiting to see whether it improves on its own, while monitoring your progress. This is known as "watchful waiting". They may also suggest lifestyle measures such as exercise and self-help groups.

Talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy CBT , are often used for mild depression that is not improving, or moderate depression. Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed. For moderate to severe depression, a combination of talking therapy and antidepressants is often recommended.

If you have severe depression, you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for intensive specialist talking treatments and prescribed medicine. Many people with depression benefit by making lifestyle changes, such as getting more exercise , cutting down on alcohol , giving up smoking and eating healthily. Reading a self-help book or joining a support group are also worthwhile.