A person who appears depressed

Causes of Depression

A variety of factors contribute to depression, including environment, genetics, brain chemistry, and more. Understanding them leads to effective treatment.
Using a dating app.
Are Dating Apps Affecting our Mental Health and Behavior?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Sad man depressed in his room
Winter Blues vs. Seasonal Affective Disorder
By Kristen Fuller, MD
Lady standing in the center of the room full of clutter
How Clutter Affects Our Mental Health
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
toxic positivity
Why Toxic Positivity Can Be So Harmful
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS
Green food does the body good
How Much Does Diet Impact Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman sad looking out window.
What to Do If Nothing Makes You Happy
Reviewed by David Susman, PhD
mental health effects of social media
How Social Media Impacts Your Mental Health
Reviewed by Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS
A depressed young man.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Depression: What's the Connection?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Scrolling
Can Social Media Cause Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
menopause and depression
The Connection Between Menopause and Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Breakup depression
How Breakups Can Sometimes Lead to Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Depression is linked to borderline personality disorder.
Factors That Could Increase Your Risk of Depression
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Sad woman sitting on bed
Differences Between Sadness and Clinical Depression
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Depression is more than just sadness.
Are Some People More Prone to Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Woman looking off into the distance
The Role of Cortisol in Depression
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
woman standing on a rock formation
How Estrogens Can Cause Anxiety and Depression
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Holding hands with a grieving friend
How Do You Know If It's Grief or Depression?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Avoidant personality disorder can lead to isolation.
What Is Avoidant Personality Disorder?
Medically reviewed by Akeem Marsh, MD
DNA-molecule illustration
How Genetics Can Play a Role in Depression
Medically reviewed by Aron Janssen, MD
Why depression is more common in women
Is Depression Really More Common in Women?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Upset man in therapy
Abreaction and Catharsis Are Historical Mainstays of Psychology
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Sad woman sitting on sofa
How Can a Person Be Depressed for No Reason?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Concerned young woman talks with friend in coffee shop
Is It Your Fault That You're Depressed?
Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD
Depression after retiring
How to Get Help for Your Depression After Retirement
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Sad teenager listening to music in a bar
What Are the Warning Signs of Self-Injury?
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Chemistry of depression
What Is the Chemistry Behind Depression?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD
Marking missed period on calendar
How Your Emotional Health Can Affect Your Menstrual Cycle
Medically reviewed by Daniel B. Block, MD
Hippocrates, polychrome majolica, detail, cloister of Old Cemetery, Padula charterhouse (Certosa di San Lorenzo), Padula, Campania, Italy
When Were the Earliest Accounts of Depression?
Reviewed by Amy Morin, LCSW
Senior woman holding pills in hand
Are Your Medications Making You Depressed?
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD