According to the Black Dog Institute, it is estimated that circa twenty percent of young people and children are affected in some way by mental health issues including depression, with the age range 18 to 24 years being the group most at risk. So what are the causes of depression? Unfortunately, while certain prevalent causes are known, diagnosis is not easy for any individual case. In many instances, there are multiple causes, each contributing to the combined effects on the young person affected. Single causes can be hereditary (genetic), the result of a past or ongoing illness, gender-related, stress arising from a whole range of situations, or even a personality defect. And those are just some of the most likely causes!
Although popular opinion suggests that depression is the result of adverse events in life and/or personality issues, ongoing research has established that the tendency towards depression can be carried in the genes, though the exact links have not been determined. In cases where the predisposition has been inherited, it is likely that the genetic factors contribute circa 40% of the risk of developing depression whereas environmental factors represent some 60% of the risk. In the age group being considered (18-24) depression can be hard to distinguish from the “normal” issues associated with adolescence. Particularly within this age group, suicide is also a real risk. Symptoms that may provide clues to the existence of depression can include: social withdrawal, poor performance in school or college, taking undue risks – behaving recklessly, and involvement with drugs and/or alcohol. However, as stated above, other probable causes including illness should also be considered.
Even mild or short illnesses can cause feelings of unhappiness, for example through suffering pain or being unable to follow a normal routine or engage in usual leisure pursuits. Sometimes the illness can affect the normal functioning of the body so that depression is the consequence. In other cases, depression may result from an illness such as certain types of cancer, even though the subject may be unaware that they have the disease. Illness as a cause of depression is largely independent of gender.
Where gender is a factor, women are more likely to develop depression for this reason than men. Causes for this preponderance on the part of females can be in part attributed to the fact that women are more likely than men to admit to the problem and to ask for help. Also, biological factors such as hormonal issues are more likely to be involved in the case of women who develop depression, as are social factors, including being in an unhappy marriage and/or coping with a young family. The latter situations may also lead to depression caused predominantly by stress.
Nearly everyone can be stressed by specific circumstances or events, although in the majority of cases the situation resolves itself within a relatively short timeframe. Where it isn’t resolved, stress can develop into depression – either by that situation and therefore the stress continuing – or because the original cause of the stress triggers reactions that create additional stresses. Typical causes are a relationship ending, losing one’s job, or living with an abusive or uncaring parent, all of which can result in lowered self-esteem.
The causes of depression discussed above are just some of the causes that research has established are the most prevalent. All of those and more can be exacerbated by the person being of specific personality types such as a “worrier”, or an introvert, a self-critical character, and others, too. Whatever, the cause(s), depression is a real condition and should accordingly be taken seriously. If left untreated or ignored, the consequences can be extremely serious, including suicide, as mentioned earlier. Appropriate treatments depend on the specific form of depression assessed / diagnosed, but can included medications and/or psychological therapy. There are also self-help programs and alternative therapy solutions out there. The single most important thing is to recognize the depression and for the subject to seek help as early as possible.
References
Black Dog Institute. “Depression”. (7 April 2012). Retrieved from http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/public/depression/inteenagersyoungadults.cfm
