What Causes Depression?

The causes of depression are complex. Very often a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors is involved in the onset of clinical depression. At times, however, depression occurs for no apparent reason. Regardless of the cause, depression is almost always treatable.

Family History— Depression often runs in families, which usually means that some, but not all, family members have a tendency to develop the illness. On the other hand, sometimes people who have no family history also develop depression.

Stress— Psychological and environmental stressors can contribute to a depressive episode, though individuals react differently to life events and experiences.

In coping with stress, some people find writing in a journal, exercising, or talking with friends helpful. But in clinical depression you need some form of treatment (usually medication and short-term psychotherapy) to start feeling better soon.

I had a period of nearly constant turmoil when I wanted to "come out" to my friends about being gay but didn't want to be treated like an outsider. A good friend made jokes about homosexuals and I was afraid of what he'd say about me. That stress played a big part in my becoming depressed.—Josh

My family wanted me home every other weekend and I didn't fit in there anymore. I'd argue constantly with my father, who still treated me like a child. My sister thought I was 'uppity.' Everyone was miserable and I felt guilty.—Kim

College and Stress

Common stressors in college life include:

• Greater academic demands
• Being on your own in a new environment
• Changes in family relations
• Financial responsibilities
• Changes in your social life
• Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations
• Awareness of your sexual identity and orientation
• Preparing for life after graduation

Psychological make-up can also play a role in vulnerability to depression. People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or are readily overwhelmed by stress may be especially prone to depression.

For Marta, her feelings of being "not good enough" were worsened by the stress of the academic demands of college and the emotional conflict caused by her parents' divorce, which combined to trigger her episode of major depression.

Suicide

Thoughts of death or suicide are usually signs of severe depression. "If you're feeling like you can't cope anymore, or that life isn't worth living, get help," advised Darrel, a student who tried to kill himself during his freshman year. "Talking to a professional can get you past those intense feelings and save your life."

Suicidal feelings, thoughts, impulses, or behaviors always should be taken seriously. If you are thinking about hurting or killing yourself, SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY. Contact someone you trust to help you: a good friend, academic or resident advisor, or:

• Staff at the student health or counseling center
• A professor, coach, or advisor
• A local suicide or emergency hotline (get the phone number from the information operator or directory)
• A hospital emergency room
• Call 911

If someone you know has thoughts about suicide, the best thing to do is help him or her get professional help.

"I'm back from the edge," Darrel continued. "Now that I've gotten some treatment, I know how to keep from being out there again."

Depression and Alcohol and Other Drugs

A lot of depressed people, especially teenagers, also have problems with alcohol or other drugs. (Alcohol is a drug, too.) Sometimes the depression comes first and people try drugs as a way to escape it. (In the long run, drugs or alcohol just make things worse!) Other times, the alcohol or other drug use comes first, and depression is caused by:

• the drug itself, or
• withdrawal from it, or
• the problems that substance use causes.

And sometimes you can't tell which came first...the important point is that when you have both of these problems, the sooner you get treatment, the better.

NIH Publication No. 97-4266

Content provided with permission from the National Institutes of Health

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In case of emergency, please call 911 or your local hospital emergency service.