Factors Triggering Depression

Depression could be triggered due to many external factors and stressors, and could also be an outcome of hormonal changes like the once experienced during menopause, or postpartum depression. Many events can cause an imbalance in our perspective and attitude towards our surroundings and life, creating pessimism, helplessness and hopelessness, and creating a depressive cycle.

Depression can be experienced during the growth phase due to changes in the hormonal activity, inability to adjust to changes in the body, peer pressure, inability to stick to social norms and customs, and the resulting frustration and helplessness.

One of the main triggering factors in life could be traced to the stress, fear and insecurity caused by failure. Failure has a very negative connotation in the society and leads to reduced self esteem, respect and poor self image. The stigma attached, the fear and insecurity about the future, lack of other modes of channelizing one’s creativity and potential can cause stress, frustration, disinterest in life, loss of hope, and can provoke the onset of depression.

Lack of a loving and supportive family can also result into depression. Depression may be seen among dysfunctional families, families where there are frequent conflicts and tensions, where family members do not share a loving and warm relationship etc. This could create depression among members who feel they are not being treated with respect, fairness and dignity. A child growing up in such an atmosphere of tension, stress and conflict may also undergo depression.

Death of a dear relative, family member, friends or colleagues can also lead to depression. Untimely death or sudden death, loss of spouse, death due to accident etc can create guilt, fear, insecurity or hopelessness among the survivors leading to a depressive episode.

Disease and long periods of illness can lead to depression in the victim and also the people related to the person. The uncertainty of life, loss of hope, and feeling of vulnerability may create a defeatist and pessimistic attitude, leading to depression.