Causes of Depression

Some kinds of depression run in families, suggesting that ther may be a biological factor that can be inherited. One most prominant type isbipolar disorder. Studies of families in which members of each genneration develop bipolar disorder found that those with the illness have a somewhat different genetic makeup than those who do not get ill. However, the reverse is not true: Not everybody with the genetic makeup that causes vulnerability to bipolar disorder will have the illness. Apparently additional factors, possibly stresses at home, work, or school, are involved in its onset.

In some families, major depression seems to occur generation after generation. However, it can also occur in people whose family has no history of depression. Whether inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often associated with being caused by changes in brain chemistry.

People with low self-esteem and people who have a pessimistic view of the world or are overwhelmed by stress are also prone to depression.

Depression in Women

About twice as many women than men suffer from depression. This may be due to hormonal factors, in particular things like menstrual cycle changes, being pregnant, miscarriage, postpartum period, and menopause. Also, women face additional stress at both work and home, from single parenthood, and caring for children and/or aging parents.

Many women suffer from a serious depressive episode after the birth of a baby--post-partum depression. This depression is not usually chronic, but while it lasts it is still a serious illness and should be talked about with your doctor. It is important to get treated for post-partum depression as the mother needs to be feeling well and have the energy to take care of and enjoy her newly born child.

Depression in Men

Men are less likely to suffer from depression than women, and men are also less likely to admit to being depressed. Some men may think that being depressed takes away from their "manliness", and that it's a personal weakness that they need to fix. This means there are many undiagnosed cases of men with depression. The suicide rate is also higher in men than women. More women attempt suicide than men, but men are more successful--the rate of suicide in men is four times that of women. This is often due to the fact that men are more likely to attempt suicide using more deadly/violent methods (i.e. guns).

Socially, depression is not as acceptable in men as it is with other people. Mens' depression is often masked by drugs or alcohol, or by working excessive hours at the office. Depression also shows differently in men--instead of feeling hopeless or helpless, the illness shows itself by causing men to be irritable, discouraged, and angry. This means it's harder to detect depression in men. And even when a man realizes he's depressed, he is less likely to seek help, often due to the social reasons mentioned above. However, society's attitude is gradually changing for the better to recognize and accept mental illness as a real disease, with workplaces starting to offer mental health programs and other similar counseling programs where men (and women) are encouraged to talk about how they feel.

Depression in Children

Only in the past two decades has depression in children been taken very seriously. The depressed child may pretend to be sick, refuse to go to school, cling to a parent, or worry that the parent may die. Older children may sulk, get into trouble at school, be negative, grouchy, and feel misunderstood. Because normal behaviors vary from one childhood stage to another, it can be difficult to tell whether a child is just going through a temporary "phase" or is suffering from depression. Sometimes the parents become worried about how the child's behavior has changed, or a teacher mentions that "your child doesn't seem to be himself." In such a case, if a visit to the child's pediatrician rules out physical symptoms, the doctor will probably suggest that the child be evaluated, preferably by a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of children. If treatment is needed, the doctor may suggest that another therapist, usually a social worker or a psychologist, provide therapy while the psychiatrist will oversee medication if it is needed.

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