Causes of Depression

Depression can occur from a variety of causes and factors including severe stress or grief, genetics, brain or body chemistry, other illnesses, drugs or alcohol, or side effects from medicines. For some, depression may seem as if it came out of nowhere. Others who experience depression, the cause or contributing factors may be clear. Significant life events, such as retirement from a long term career, or a divorce, or loss of a loved one, can trigger significant mood changes. And while it may be common for these situations to trigger depression, it is still important to speak with a professional about it and get help.