Depression is the most common mental health issue experienced by people all over the world. Research suggests that depression can have different causes but this issue is preventable when you visit the doctor at the right time. Read the given guide to understand the various risk factors linked with depression.

Given below are the various risk factors linked with depression as shared by our medical healthcare expert:

Risk factors of brain and body

Many things can cause depression which includes the body and brain which includes:

Imbalance in the brain 

There can be an imbalance in the neurotransmitter which controls the mood. These are chemical substances that help different parts of the brain to communicate with each other. If there’s a shortage of supply then it can lead to clinical depression. You need to visit the doctor for the depression treatment which will focus on altering the chemical level in the brain.

Risk factor of the physical and medical condition

The person is more likely to experience depression if they have a sleep disorder, thyroid condition, and chronic illness. Moreover, depression seems to trigger more in people with issues like diabetes, chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

In case, you are experiencing a physical health problem then it will affect mental health. So, it is important to consult the doctor for depression therapy and understand what you can do to control the problem from impacting your daily life.

Risk factor of female sex hormone

Studies have shown that women experience depression twice the time as compared to men. The problem is more common during the reproductive years because of the hormone level changes in the body. Women tend to feel depressed during the pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, and menstrual cycle.

Common causes of depression

• Genetics and family history

You are more likely to experience depression if someone in your family has faced it in the past. According to studies, depression is determined by genetics around 40 percent. Well, it is not clear why genetics plays an essential role in mood disorders. Fortunately, undergoing the right treatment will help to control the situation in a better way.

• Poor diet

If your diet is not proper then it can affect your mood in several ways. A diet low in vitamins and minerals will increase the chances of depression. Moreover, if the diet is high in sugar then also depression problems occur.

• Stress

Facing stressful events can make the person feel overwhelmed and it is one of the reasons for depression. The stress hormones affect the neurotransmitters which are associated with depression.

• Substance use

Drug and alcohol use can also increase the risk of depression. There are certain medications like beta-blockers, statins, stimulants, and corticosteroids that can cause depression. Talk to your doctor to understand what you can do to control the situation.