Why Am I Depressed?

There are many different reasons why you may be depressed. You probably have more than one. There are many different "triggers" for depression. A trigger can be anything that causes you to feel depressed. Triggers may include people, places, and events (both ones that happened in the past, in the future, and ones happening now). Even the weather can be a trigger. Most triggers for depression can be associated with negativity. Finding out the trigger(s) for your depression is key to a successful recovery.

Your personal habits can also trigger depression. Do you worry a lot, have low self-esteem, or are sensitive to personal criticism? Are you severely overweight, a perfectionist, or are self-critical? Perhaps you have a negative mindset? All of these factors can lead to a higher risk of depression.  

Many people don't realize that depression can be hereditary. Depression can run in families, so you may have a genetic risk for it. That doesn't mean for sure that you will experience depression if a parent or close relative is suffering from it though. Your personal circumstances and other factors will still have an influence on whether or not you are depressed.

Serious medical illnesses can also trigger depression. They can bring about depression directly, or they can contribute to it through associated stress and worry. Generally, the longer the illness and the more painful it is, the more likely it is to develop into depression.

Many people with depression also tend to have drug and alcohol problems. Alcohol is a depressant. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to depression. Similarly, people who are depressed will sometimes try to drink their sorrows away with alcohol. It can be a very difficult cycle to break. If you or someone you know has a problem with depression and alcohol abuse, it's important to seek help right away.