I'm Still Human: Understanding Depression With Kindness (Expanded Edition - 2021)

What is the cause of depression?
“Depression” is just a label for anyone who experience the
signs and symptoms mentioned earlier. But the
factors contributing to a person’s
depression are often unique and
multiple. Identifying the factors
is important as some of them can
be modified as part of treatment
(e.g. abstaining from alcohol).
Among the common factors contributing to depression are:
• Genetic inheritance.
• Chemical imbalance in the brain, e.g. serotonin and
noradrenalin.
• Hormonal imbalance, e.g. hypothyroidism.
• Negative automatic thoughts.
• Long term use of certain medications, e.g. steroid,
beta-blocker (a type of high blood pressure medicine).
• Family, marital and relationship problems.
• Past physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
• Job and financial difficulties.
• Studies and exam-related stress.
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