Depression

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What Are the Main Causes of Depression?

Lots of things can increase the chance of depression, including the following:
• Abuse. Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can make you more vulnerable to depression later in life.
• Age. People who are elderly are at higher risk of depression. That can be made worse by other factors, such as living alone and having a lack of social support.

• Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to it may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members or friends.
• Death or a loss. Sadness or grief after the death or loss of a loved one, though natural, can increase the risk of depression.
• Gender. Women are about twice as likely as men to become depressed. No one’s sure why. The hormonal changes that women go through at different times of their lives may play a role.

What to Say When Someone Is Depressed
Finding the Words to Help
By Nancy Schimelpfening

Ask Them If They Want to Talk
Sometimes the most important thing you can do for a depressed friend is to just listen sympathetically while they talk about what is bothering them, allowing them to relieve the pressure of pent-up feelings.

Remind Them That They Matter
A common feeling among those who are depressed is that their lives don’t matter and no one would even care if they were gone.6 If you can sincerely tell your friend about all the ways that they matter to you and others, this can help them realize that they have value and worth.

Check up on your friends not only when you need them but when they needed you the most.

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