What do you think causes your depression?

Is it a situation in your life? an existential crisis? loneliness and social isolation? No apparent reason? .... etc.

I believe that some people are more predisposed to developing depression than others, as they say depression can run in families.
However, external factors and the situations you find yourself in can also play a major role.
I think my childhood had a lot to do with the start of my depression, I was not encouraged to show my feeling, so I just tried to keep them inside. I still have difficulties expressing my feelings, I feel lonely and trapped, I have done most of my life. Some of my life events have also not worked out how I thought they would (infertility) so they have been a catalyst to bringing the depression out to the surface and feelings of being different not being able to cope.

Trauma kinda kicked it off. At the same time, I've had episodes of extreme depression ever since I can remember, including before I can recall any initial trauma. I don't know why.

I don't know if any one thing "caused" it. A lot has happened in my life that has contributed, but as far as cause goes? I think I was just predisposed, to be honest. They say people who grow up with parents who struggle are more likely to struggle themselves. My mom has alcoholism, depression, and an adjustment disorder. So, it's not too surprising that I have depression. I do think circumstances have contributed, though.

Wasted potential, for example. I used to be in the Beta Club. If I had actually kept up with my schoolwork, I could have gotten a scholarship. I used to want to go to Harvard. You know? Not a day goes by where I don't think about that, and regret it. But why did I waste said potential? Depression. So, that wasn't the cause, obviously. Abuse, isolation, poverty, etc. They all contributed. But none caused it, only made it worse.

I don't recall a single trauma that did cause it. To be frank, I remember being depressed even as a child.

ETA: I have heard postpartum depression in either parent can contribute to depression later in the child's life. I really hope it doesn't in the case of my baby.

Being "different" - bear cub born into ?
Trauma
Medical issues (including something affecting "fertility" )

I think genetic history (father was depressed), traumatic childhood events and now triggers that bring it all up. Frankly I feel like one big mess without a real cause.

Frankly, I don't think any "mess" has no cause

Being called "useless" by one too many of those "Superior beings" (irl)

My T says I am a product of an emotionally neglected childhood ... I think that is the base but there have been many rungs on my downward leading ladder ... some from outside ... one of the biggest coming from higher education ... and it's effect on my internal belief system ...

I urge you to understand "cause" as a trigger. I know there is some genetic basis to depression, but this is usually triggered by events. For me, I believe because I've learned to keep my feelings inside me since my childhood. But I've become very depressed by outer events like social isolation and being ostracized and being in a different culture (cultural shock I guess).

I asked this question to follow it with another question which is: what do you think might help alleviate/reduce your depression symptoms?

For me right now finding a partner and job would probably make me feel better. I think I would still have the base tendency to be depressed, but at least I would have a reason or the motivation to not to surrender to depression. I am speculating, though, and might be wrong

If/when you find those things, I hope they help motivate you out of this hole. External factors have helped me. My fiance helps me get through tough times with my depression. He doesn't cure it, though, just motivates me to swim against depression's current.

To answer the follow-up; I have to work through my trauma before I can even care enough to focus on anything else my psyche throws at me. If I can get passed my PTSD, I might have a chance to get a handle on my depression.

I hope you find the confidence of who you are (the real you) inside ... finding someone and a job would be great ... but ... accepting who you are ... by your self ... and feeling good about that ... is what I hope would make you feel better ... and when you like (love) what you see in the mirror then how much more do you have to give to another ... I have always believed you must fill yourself first to have anything to give to another ... and when you like yourself that is evident to others and can even help in landing that job ... Believing in yourself ... loving yourself ... forgiving yourself ... is my recipe for a whole human soul ... I pray you find a way to have peace in your heart ... I believe in you ... believe in yourself ... Love ... Tigger.

I think it's a mix between genetics, chemicals in the brain, and outside influences (environmental factors). There are triggers for it, but the underlying cause is most likely just the way I'm made.