Okay let's look at some of the things that cause depression. Firstly you can have a genetic predisposition to depression and that can be to a large degree or a small degree and change your chances of getting depression. In general, twin-studies have shown that the genetic contribution to depression may be in the range of 40% to 50%, meaning that the lion's share of the cause of depression isn't genetic, it's environmental or psychological.💙

Bipolar depression is much more strongly inherited than major depression.💙

We now know that the environment can even influence our genetic expression, through epigenetics, so even the genetic portion of depression may be somewhat under our control. 💙

Secondly there can be a physiological effect of drugs of abuse or medicines which can contribute to depression or cause depression.💙

Thirdly there's aging which may also contribute to depression, although this is disputed.💙

Fourthly there's low self-esteem issues and the psychology of feeling unsafe. If things that support the person in feeling safe are removed that can contribute to or cause depression. Things such as relationships, loneliness, isolation, bullying, divorce, bereavement and even things like financially. If they have a setback, lose a job that can help contribute to or cause depression. 💙