It often comes quietly. It can be completely unexpected. Unfortunately, you can't really prepare or plan for it. The darkness creeps in and slowly consumes you. You can't catch it. It is not something that is contagious. Maybe you or someone from your immediate family suffers from it. On the other hand, another relative may be perfectly fine and unaffected by it. You do not just suddenly feel it one day. It grows over time. You can't just snap out of it either. It attaches itself to you with a strong grip. All you can do is wonder how you ended up in this current state.

Where exactly does depression come from? Here are 5 Causes of Depression:

1. Major Life Events

Major life events can be a huge trigger for depression. Life is full of ups and downs. At times, it can feel like you are on a rollercoaster. There are many different things that are unexpected and uncertain within a lifetime. Navigating through it all can lead to both positive and negative times.

Careers are not always guaranteed. Depending on your career path, you may experience role or supervisor changes, layoffs, or unemployment. Changes like starting a new job can also lead to depression.

Relationships have their own ups and downs. Distance could be a challenge. Or maybe you have not found the right relationship yet, and you have found yourself giving more than your partner. You may have even experienced physical, mental, or sexual abuse from a previous partner. Getting engaged or married may seem like a positive life event for the most part, but these big life events can lead to depression as well.

These are just a few of the major life events that can trigger depression-like symptoms.

2. Genetics or Family History

If your family has a history of depression, it could mean there is an increased chance that you will also experience depression-like symptoms. You may not have the same experience as the family member who went through depression, but it is important to be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms to get the right help and treatment.

3. Personality

Your personality could be playing a part in your depression. Your personality makes up who you are. Some of the traits and behaviors that a person has may actually lead to depression.

Here are the significant signs of personality having an impact on depression:

• Worrying

• Low Self-Esteem

• Perfectionists

• Sensitive

• Avoids Criticism and Critiques

• Negative

• Self-Critical

Those showing some of the personality traits listed above are more likely to develop depression throughout their lifetime.

4. Serious Medical Illnesses

Sometimes, another medical illness that someone may be dealing with can lead to depression. Serious medical conditions can affect a person's mobility, independence, self-esteem, and normal way of life.

Here are some of the most common illnesses where depression is a common complication:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Arthritis

• Kidney Disease

• Lupus

• Parkinson's

• Stroke

• Multiple Sclerosis

• HIV

• AIDS

5. Drug or Alcohol Abuse

People often use substances like drugs or alcohol as a quick fix. Drugs and alcohol may temporarily relieve the problems you are dealing with, but they can actually make matters worse for you in the long run. Using drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with depression can actually lead to a deeper spiral into a depressive state.

You can't always identify the root cause of your depression. No matter the specific cause of your depression, you do not have to handle this on your own. The best thing you can do is to seek help and support.

Contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation for depression counseling.