Depression is extremely common in today’s society. More people than ever before are seeking professional treatment for their depression. Typically, the condition affects more women than men, and young people are particularly prone to developing the disorder.
Despite its widespread prevalence, depression can be difficult to understand. There are many different causes and reasons for depression ranging from biological to social factors—and depression looks different on every single person.
Below, we discuss both common and uncommon causes of depression in greater detail.
Common Causes of Depression
Clinically, depression has many causes. There are, however, certain causes that are more commonly seen. These frequent causes of depression include:
Death or Loss of a Loved One
Grief due to the loss of a loved one is one of the most common causes of depression.
When we lose someone in our life whom we love due to death, illness, a breakup, etc., we go through the stages of grief. This mourning can trigger depressive episodes that last long after the grieving process is over.
Poor Nutrition
There is a strong link between physical health and mental health. Unsurprisingly, poor diet and physical unwellness are common causes of depression.
Researchers have found that those with diets high in sugar are particularly at risk for developing depression. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help keep the body and mind healthy and decrease the likelihood of depression.
Drugs and Alcohol
Substance abuse only worsens depression. If you are struggling with clinical depression or are prone to feelings of sadness, worthlessness, guilt, and exhaustion, it is especially important to stay away from drugs and alcohol.
Certain prescription medications may also increase the risk of depression. If you have questions about your prescribed drugs, it is always best to talk with your doctor.
Major Life Changes
Depression does not need to be triggered by one particular event, but major life changes often open the door for feelings of extreme sadness.
When we experience a significant disruption to our daily routine or to our lives as we know them, we are more susceptible to developing depression.
Events such as losing a job, getting a divorce, losing a pet, moving far away from friends and loved ones, or graduating from a school program can all cause depression.
Uncommon Causes of Depression
There are many causes of depression outside of the “textbook answers.” Everything from our hormone levels to our genetic makeup to our lifestyle habits can cause or worsen depression. Here are a handful of surprising culprits:
Excessive Screen Time
We live in a highly digital world. People now, more than ever before, rely on various screens for entertainment. Unsurprisingly, spending too much time in front of televisions or on social media websites is linked to depression.
Excessive time in front of screens means spending less time in nature and less time interacting with people in the real world. This isolation and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle often lead to depressive episodes.
Smoking
Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your physical health. What many people are unaware of, though, is the link between smoking and depression. Those who smoke are at a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety due to their addiction to nicotine.
Noise Pollution and Urban Environments
Perhaps surprisingly, those who live in urban environments are typically more at risk for depression than those who live in the suburbs or in rural towns.
Excessive noise has been linked to depression, and people who live in cities tend to hear much greater volumes of noise from cars, airplanes, buses, trains, subways, nightclubs and restaurants. Cities also tend to have taller buildings that block sunlight and greater amounts of neon and artificial light—which affects sleep and can trigger depressive episodes.
Take the Next Step...
If you believe you are struggling with depressive symptoms, many different causes may be to blame. The best way to understand your individual depression is to seek treatment from a licensed professional.
Contact my office today to learn more about my counseling approach to depression treatment.