What Are the Risk Factors for Depression?
There are a number of significant risk factors for depression that you should be aware of: • Genetics. A family history of depression may increase your risk. It’s thought that depression is passed genetically from generation to generation. The exact way this happens, however, is not clear. • Death or loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one can trigger symptoms of major depression. • Conflict. Personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends may lead to depression. • Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse is a major risk factor for depression. • Major events. Even good events, such as moving or graduating, can put you at risk for becoming clinically depressed. Other events that increase your risk include changing jobs, losing a job or income, getting married or divorced, retiring. • Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or is a reaction to the illness. • Certain medications. Depression can be a side effect of a
