Depression is an illness that causes a person to feel sad and hopeless much of the time. It is different from normal feelings of sadness, grief, or low energy.
Anyone can have depression. It often runs in families. But it can also happen to someone who doesn't have a family history of depression. You can have depression one time or many times.
If you think you may be depressed, tell your doctor. There are good treatments that can help you enjoy life again. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you will feel better.
What causes depression?
The causes of depression are not entirely understood. Things that may trigger depression include:
- Major events that create stress, such as childbirth or a death in the family.
- Illnesses, such as arthritis, heart disease, or cancer.
- Certain medicines, such as steroids or narcotics for pain relief.
- Drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs.
These and other factors can cause certain brain chemicals to get out of balance. As soon as the imbalance is corrected, symptoms of depression generally go away.
Last Updated:
March 21, 2007
