What usually causes depression?

people use bad things happening in there life or things not going there way as an excuse to say that they are depressed then use there depression to be there excuse for not doing something about there state of there life, i dont think depression actually exists, yes i agree we all have down points in our lives and if we choose too we could just mope around like it forever but instead of this why dont these people actually do something to change the thing they claim is wrong.

It really depends on the person. I was depressed for about 3 or 4 years because of something I didn't like about myself. I tried for a while to change it, but I'm much happier now having accepted it. I'd say I haven't really felt depressed in about 2 years or so. However, I knew the reason for my depression and a lot of people don't know why they are depressed, and therefore can't do much about it. I personally am not a fan of anti depressants for myself, they didn't work at all, and seemed to make things a lot worse. But I know lots of people that rely on them and go a bit crazy without. Best thing to do is keep an open mind and be supportive.

Depression is like many other mental conditions that is an inbalance of chemicals. Our bodies are complex things and when one thing is out of whack all other things are affected by it...especially when it comes to the chemical makeup in our brains. Whether you call it the "blues," the "blahs," "lows" or depression everyone experiences this in a lifetime. Yes some people's depression is brought on by stress and situations in their life. WHile others are severely depressed individuals all the time. The medications available prescribed by health professionals can help bring that chemical balance back into shape under close supervision and adjustments. ALthough not everyone who is simly depressed need this type of meds others who are clinically depressed do.

I know when I am down and out it usually has to do with a mental overload, or fatigue, because I have so much going on....work, bills, unpaid bills, family, personal issues, etc.

The thing to remember is if you do not get over it in a short period of time, like a week or less....then maybe you need to speak to your doctor. Depression is not an excuse for people to do things or not do things. It is a condition, but it is a treatable one for the most part.

I dont know if there is a common factor in depression. I think people get depressed for many different reasons. There is generally a chemical imablanced involved. I think if there is a common factor it is feeling that you have no control over your life. I think that there are many other factors including feeling depressed because of your life circumstances or reactive depression.

I think depression stems from lack of motivation. You sit around and want to do all these different things and then you don't because you're not motivated. Not doing the things you want to do will eventually make you feel like you are worthless. All this is just the starting of depression.

This is an interesting question you've posed here! I don't know if there is a common factor that can cause depression. Some people may be predisposed to it or some may just have a severe overload of bad stuff happening in their lives. In my case it was mental abuse by both parents, bullying at school and propably a predisposition for it - as my mother had postnatal depression and we didn't bond in any way, shape or form and never have done.

It's different for everyone. Sometimes you may not even know that you are at the beginning. Little things sneak in your daily life that cause you to become more down and the rest is history. I personally know why I'm depressed, but that's not so for everyone. Fighting it is still a constant struggle with me.