Understanding Depression and Suicide Risk: Causes & Factors

Depression is a serious mental condition that, if left untreated, may lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts. While there is no single cause of depression, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to its development.

Biochemical Factors

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or brain scans, reveal that people with depression have an imbalance in their brain's neurotransmitters and chemicals that are responsible for mood, sleep and thinking.

Genetic

• People with a family history of depression are susceptible to developing it. No particular gene is responsible; it is thought that a combination of genes and environmental factors lead to the onset of depression.

Environmental Factors

• Trauma, death of a loved one, job related stress, financial or relationship difficulties and a geographic relocation might lead to depression or suicide.

Psychological Factors

• Certain psychological conditions may contribute to depression. Comorbid conditions include anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Suicide

• Depression contributes to thoughts about suicide and may lead a person to attempt suicide. Contact your doctor immediately if you are having suicidal thoughts. While there is no singular cause of suicide, the symptoms of depression may contribute to it.

Symptoms of Depression

• Symptoms include feelings of guilt, worthlessness, hopelessness, sadness, anxiety and fatigue. Muscular aches and pain are also common depression symptoms.