elhoary158
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What Causes Depression?
Lots of things influence whether a person has depression, such as:
Genes
Research shows that depression runs in families. Some people inherit genes that play a part in it. But not everyone who has a family member with depression will develop it, too. And many people with no family history still get it. So genes are one factor, but they aren't the only reason for depression.
Brain Chemistry
Certain chemicals called neurotransmitters (pronounced: nur-oh-TRANZ-mit-urs) manage mood. When a person has depression, these neurotransmitters might be in low supply or not be effective enough. Someone with the genes for depression may be more likely to have this neurotransmitter problem.
Stress, Health, and Hormones
Things like stress, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and hormone changes can affect mood and the brain's chemistry.
Some health conditions may also increase the likelihood of anger, irritability, or sadness. For example, low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a depressed mood in some people. Once a doctor finds and treats the health condition, these symptoms usually disappear.
Getting enough sleep and regular exercise often has a positive effect on neurotransmitter activity and mood and helps to prevent depression.
Daylight and Seasons
Daylight affects how the brain makes two neurotransmitters called melatonin and serotonin. They help control energy, mood, and when people fall asleep and wake up.
The shorter days and longer hours of darkness in fall and winter may cause the body to make more melatonin and less serotonin. This imbalance can lead to a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Exposure to light may help improve mood in people with SAD.
Life Events
The death of a family member, friend, or pet sometimes leads to depression. Other difficult life events — like when parents divorce, separate, or remarry — can also trigger it. Whether or not tough life situations lead to depression can depend on how well a person can cope, stay positive, and get support.
Lots of things influence whether a person has depression, such as:
Genes
Research shows that depression runs in families. Some people inherit genes that play a part in it. But not everyone who has a family member with depression will develop it, too. And many people with no family history still get it. So genes are one factor, but they aren't the only reason for depression.
Brain Chemistry
Certain chemicals called neurotransmitters (pronounced: nur-oh-TRANZ-mit-urs) manage mood. When a person has depression, these neurotransmitters might be in low supply or not be effective enough. Someone with the genes for depression may be more likely to have this neurotransmitter problem.
Stress, Health, and Hormones
Things like stress, drinking alcohol, using drugs, and hormone changes can affect mood and the brain's chemistry.
Some health conditions may also increase the likelihood of anger, irritability, or sadness. For example, low levels of thyroid hormones can cause a depressed mood in some people. Once a doctor finds and treats the health condition, these symptoms usually disappear.
Getting enough sleep and regular exercise often has a positive effect on neurotransmitter activity and mood and helps to prevent depression.
Daylight and Seasons
Daylight affects how the brain makes two neurotransmitters called melatonin and serotonin. They help control energy, mood, and when people fall asleep and wake up.
The shorter days and longer hours of darkness in fall and winter may cause the body to make more melatonin and less serotonin. This imbalance can lead to a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Exposure to light may help improve mood in people with SAD.
Life Events
The death of a family member, friend, or pet sometimes leads to depression. Other difficult life events — like when parents divorce, separate, or remarry — can also trigger it. Whether or not tough life situations lead to depression can depend on how well a person can cope, stay positive, and get support.