[tamilse]

I still didn't get clarified why people are getting depressed. Could someone please let me know? Thanls

[Skeezyks]

Hello tamilse: Well... the Skeezyks is certainly no expert with regard to the causes of depression. But I believe the current thinking is that depression is caused by neurochemical imbalances in the brain. And, of course, life experiences can contribute to the development of depression as well... such as the death of a loved one, physical & / or emotional abuse, & other things.

I see this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to PsychCentral… from the Skeezyks! I hope you find the time you spend here to be of benefit.

PsychCentral is a great place to get information as well as support for mental health issues. There are many knowledgeable & caring members here. The more you post, & reply to other members’ posts, the more a part of the community you will become. Plus there are social groups you can join & chat rooms where you’ll be able to connect with other PC members in real time (once your first 5 posts have been reviewed & approved.) Lots of great stuff! So please keep posting!

[bugbear83]

It's gonna be different for everyone. I've actually heard that the chemical imbalance theory has been challenged, with some people saying that we should look more towards inefficient coping strategies and basic physical health as contributing factors to depression. (Generally backed by Big Pharma having all their fingers in the doctor's pies, so to speak, which IS true.)

I personally think it's a combination of both worlds; how your brain is shaped throughout your childhood development and from your hereditary genes, and also by traps that we can fall in psychologically and physically. That's why cognitive behavioral therapy can provide relief to some people, who might be battling with negative thought trap spirals, and not do a thing for others who's problems might be more chemically based.

The point is everyone is different. And trying to pinpoint one specific cause for depression, which is a unique illness in and of itself, is like scooping up a handful of sand and calling it a "beach".

[Pilojade]

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression can often start off as higher levels of anxiety in children. But today, the causes of depression still remain largely unknown. Depression Center | Symptoms & Treatment | Psych Central

Now, this notion of the “chemical imbalance” has been much in the news lately, and a lot of misinformation has been written about it—including by some doctors who ought to know better 2. In the article I referenced, I argued that “…the “chemical imbalance” notion was always a kind of urban legend—never a theory seriously propounded by well-informed psychiatrists.”1 Some readers felt I was trying to “re-write history”, and I can understand their reaction—but I stand by my statement. Doctor, Is My Mood Disorder Due to a Chemical Imbalance? | World of Psychology

For another discussion of causation of depression, see: Causes of Depression: Genetics, Illness, Abuse, and More

The perplexity about the complexity of mental disorders is very real.