About 10 to 15 percent of the population witnesses clinical depression once in their lifetime. Understanding depression is important as it affects mental health significantly. Having the right knowledge will enable you to help those around you who suffer from depression. It also helps you in being more aware of the condition and diagnosing it before it is too late. Below are the most common causes of depression that you need to know about.

Genetics
Whether or not you suffer from depression is directly linked with genetics. Researchers are not yet very sure about this risk factor. However, if your parents and siblings have depression then your chances of developing it can be high.

Brain chemistry
Because of imbalance in the neurotransmitters that are related to mood regulation, depression can be caused. When the neurotransmitters are not in the right supply then it might lead to clinical depression.

Female hormones
Research has stated that women are likely to suffer from depression than men. Hormones are the major reason behind the condition. Moreover, women are more likely to develop depression when they are in their reproductive years. They can also tend to feel moody and depressed during their menstrual cycles due to the fluctuating hormone levels. Depression is also quite common during childbirth as well as in perimenopause stage. It should be noted that a woman’s risk of depression decreases when she passes her menopause.

Disturbance in circadian rhythm
There is a type of depression which is caused by the disturbance in the circadian rhythm of the body. It is a seasonal depression which is related to exposure to light. In winter, when the days are shorter, people can tend to spend lesser time in the outdoors. This might cause their circadian rhythm to get disturbed. Those who stay in regions where there is no exposure to light are at high risk.

Poor nutrition
One of the main reasons behind depression can be a poor diet. This is because the lack of certain nutrients can cause depression-related symptoms. Diets that are low in omega-3 fatty acids are related to a higher risk of depression. Moreover, a diet wherein a lot of sugar is consumed is also related to depression.

Health Issues
The mind and body are clearly linked. If you are suffering from any physical ailment then even it can lead to depression. You might be dealing with a chronic disease which certainly induces the stress contributing to depression. On the other hand, there are diseases like thyroid disorders, liver disease, and Addison’s disease that cause depression.

Stress
Depression can also be caused due to stressful events in one’s life. If someone is overwhelmed with the happenings around them then it can also lead to depression. The hormone cortisol is released when a person suffers from stress. When the level of cortisol increases, you might end up feeling depressed. In most cases, meditation and yoga help tremendously to achieve much-needed peace.

Thus, the above-mentioned reasons can cause depression. It is best to consult a psychiatrist as soon as you witness any of the symptoms mentioned herein.