​What are the causes and risk factors?

Depression does not discriminate. It is found in people from all socioeconomic classes, races, ages and genders. It is twice as common in girls as boys.
There are many causes of depression. 
  • Traumatic life events have triggered depression.
  • Life circumstances like poverty, physical and substance abuse and stressors (chemical, biological, environmental condition, external stimulus or an event) can lead to depression.
  • Genetics play a role in depression; it can run in families.
  • Previous episodes of depression can also cause a re-occurrence of this disorder. 
  • Medical conditions have also been linked to this illness.
  • Some side effects from medication can cause depression.
It may be difficult to determine what caused the depression; your bigger concern is how you want to treat it. Treatment has been shown to help over eighty percent of patients.

Find more facts...

Depression statistics and information was found in the following:
National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH)
World Health Organization (WHO)
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI)
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education [online] National Mental Health Association,“Fact Sheet: Suicide”
depressionstats.com
teendepression.org