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1. Genetic factors
Some types of depression run in families,
indicating hereditary or genetic factors in the transmission
of depressive disorders.However, it can also occur in
people who have no family history of depression. Whether
inherited or not, major depressive disorder is often
associated with having too little or too much of certain
chemicals in the brain.
2. Stressful events
Life events are contributing factors
to depression. It is also quite normal to feel depressed
after a distressing event but normally we "work
through" our feelings about what has happened and
come to terms with them. Any change, serious loss or
stress such as death of a loved one, divorce, loss of
a job, retirement or move to a new home, could precipitate
a depressive illness.
3. Lack of social support
Stressful circumstances also play a
part. If we are alone and socially isolated, have many
other worries or are physically debilitated, then we
may be more vulnerable to developing depression. For
example, some women suffer persistent depression after
childbirth because they do not have adequate support
from their family.
4. Physical Illnesses
Depression is also commonly accompanied
by physical illnesses, especially life-threatening diseases
such as cancer and heart disease, chronic and painful
diseases such as arthritis, bronchitis or stroke. Some
depression may follow infections such as influenza.
5. Personality
Personality may also play a part in
depression. Although anyone can become depressed under
certain circumstances, some are more vulnerable than
others because of our individual make-up or previous
experiences.
6. Gender differences 
It seems that women get depressed more often than men.
This may be because men are less likely to admit their
feelings, bottle them up or express them in aggression
or through drinking heavily. It could also mean that
women may be under more stress, such as from having
to work and at the same time look after a child.
7. Adolescents 
In teenagers, a depressed mood is common because of
the normal maturation process, the stress associated
with it, the influence of sex hormones, and independence
conflicts with parents. It may also be a reaction to
a disturbing event such as the death of a friend or
relative, a break-up with a boyfriend or girlfriend,
or failure at school.
Adolescents who have low self-esteem, are highly self-critical,
and who feel little sense of control over negative events
are particularly at risk of being depressed when they
experience stressful events.
8. Depression in the elderly
Detecting depression in the elderly may be complicated
by several factors. Often, the symptoms of depression
are associated with the aging process or a medical condition
rather than with depression. Contributing factors include
difficulties coping with the loss of a spouse or close
friend, chronic pain and illnesses, mobility or memory
loss, changing circumstances such as moving from a home
to a retirement facility or changes within the family.
Depression can also be a sign of a medical problem.
It may be complicated by brain disorders associated
with aging such as Alzheimer's disease or organic brain
syndrome.
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