Factors That Increase One’s Risk of Depression
The feeling of being sad and down from time to time is a normal part of life. However, long bouts with despair and emptiness may be more serious than just being sad. Depression can make it difficult, even impossible, for sufferers to enjoy life and conduct activities just like before.
In most cases, depression is caused by a mixture of causes and circumstances, rather than by a single event or reason. Here are some of the risk factors for depression:
* Gender. Studies have shown that women are more likely than men to suffer from depression. Although the ultimate reason behind this remains the focus of several studies, it has been noted that hormonal changes could be contributory to women’s higher likelihood for depression.
* Genetics. If depression affects one or more members in your family, you must seek help as soon as you notice the first symptoms of depression. Those with a family history of depression have a higher risk of becoming depressed themselves.
* Age. Elderly people also face a higher risk of depression. Having to live alone and not having enough social support could aggravate the situation.
* Health conditions. People who suffer from serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and chronic pain, are more likely to become depressed. This may be related to lack of hope or feeling of helplessness while sick.
Other risk factors are stressful conditions, experiencing trauma, and prescription drugs misuse or abuse.
Tags: depression causes, reasons for depression, risk factors of depression, why get depressed
