5 Common Causes Behind Clinical Depression

There is not a single cause for clinical depression; usually this condition surfaces as the result of several negative influences working together over time. Not of all these influences are easily avoided (since some have to do with your upbringing and personal background), but learning about them is an important step towards finding a cure for depression.

If you have a better understanding of what is causing your problems, you will stand a better chance of dealing with it, right? In that spirit, the present article will discuss the most common causes which are usually found in cases of clinical depression.

Biological factors

Factors at play here include chemical imbalances in the brain, which are not yet fully understood. Research has demonstrated how the brain activity of clinically depressed individuals seems to be impaired in comparison the the brain activity of healthy individuals, indicating there are biological imbalances that will induce depressive states, and eventually lead to the development of clinical depression.

Genetic factors

Some people have a genetic predisposition towards depression, and that's just about it. This factor surely ties in with the biological factor, meaning that some individuals are just more likely to succumb to depression, when all other factors are similar. If you have a history of depression in your family, it doesn't mean you will have the same problem... but you should see it as a sign that you should take proactive measures to reduce your chances of stumbling into the same problem.

Personal issues

Very often, lingering personal issues can lead to the development of depressive disorders. Whether it's unfulfilled dreams and aspirations, unsatisfactory relationships or difficulties in communication and social interaction -- such issues can be the root of subsequent depression. If you meditate intently in this possibility, you may realize there could be some issues from your past creeping up into your present and robbing your vitality. The help of a therapist can be most valuable in helping you understand these unapparent causes.

Stress and trauma

Likewise to hidden personal issues, so can persistent stress and unattended trauma lead to the development of further complications related to depression. If you feel you've lived through a specific trauma in the past that may have crippled you emotionally, you will be wise to seek professional help to help you overcome such problems. If you feel that your line of work is more stress than you can handle, maybe you should consider either finding a new line of work or learning to better cope with the stressful scenarios you're currently facing. 

Substance abuse

Substance abuse problems usually go hand in hand with depression, each reinforcing and perpetuating the other. If you're trying to break free the negative cycles of depression, you should also look for ways to break free of any substance abuse issues you may be subject to: whether it's illegal or recreational drugs, tobacco, alcohol  food or any other substances. Consuming your "poison of choice" may appear to improve your depression on the short term, but as soon as the effects wane you'll feel worse than before, and you'll want to keep using more and more. Until you mange this vicious cycle, it will be quite hard to find a permanent cure for depression!