What Causes Depression?

• Depression seems to be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Stresses in life can sometimes trigger a new episode of depression or worsen existing depression. Causes can include:

  • Death of a loved one
  • Divorce, separation, or other relationship problems
  • Loss of a job, stress from money problems
  • Going off to college
  • Certain medications
  • Severe or long-standing medical illness