Causes of Depression
“It is important to understand that depression is not caused by one thing, but probably by a combination of factors interacting with one another. These factors can be grouped into two broad categories- biology and psychology. Many biological and psychological factors interact in depression, although precisely which specific factors interact may differ from person to person” CITATION Sut12 \l 1033 (Sutton, 2012). Although the list of causes is not yet well understood, studies have shown that Malnutrition, lack of sleep, electrolytes being off or unrested because a person is too sedentary can all be causes of depression. A person’s family history, their personality and illnesses can also be causes of depression. Several intellectual patterns are commonly linked with depression. Some of these patterns include: Placing excessive focus on negative aspects of situations or events, blaming oneself for negative outcomes while not acknowledging personal contributions to positive outcomes, adopting inconsistent or unrealistic standards for one's behavior, and contributing to feelings of inadequacy. Assuming negative thoughts from others without concrete evidence, leading to social anxiety and self-doubt. So, understanding that depression does not have a single cause but can result from various factors and triggers is crucial. There is no exact cause for depression in children but genetics and environmental factors play a role. Physical illness, bullying or exposure to traumatic events/experiences and the death of a relative are all causes that can lead to depression in children and adolescents. Children who experience depression face an elevated risk of developing anxiety and may encounter difficulties in their academic performance.
