Wynne 1

Isaac Wynne

Professor Calhoun

English composition 2

21 March 2021

Causes of Depression
What is depression? Depression is a mental health disorder that affects millions of

people worldwide. Common symptoms of depression include lack of appetite, increased or

decreased sleep, lack of interest in activities or in daily life, and lack of motivation. There are

many factors that may cause depression, and I’ll be exploring them.

Mental health awareness was not always a thing. For a long time, depression and other

illnesses were overlooked and not thought of as an issue. In fact, not too long ago, depression

was just dismissed without a second thought. But now depression is becoming even more

apparent in everyday life among teens, adults, and even elders. Clinical depression affects near

seven percent of the US nation every year. (Depression) The purpose of the document is to

inform the college students or adults about the topic of depression. It is reliable given the

publication date and the fact it came from the Sinclair library. It is in present context.

There are common misconceptions correlated with depression. A big misconception

about depression is that it is all in your head or imagination. This couldn’t be further from the

truth. Depression is a serious condition which affects millions of people each year all

throughout the world. Another misconception is that medication is the only fix. Medication is

not the only fix, and therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is scientifically proven to

help patients. (Moines)

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The exact causes of depression are not very well known, but experts have a decent grip

on them. Stressful life events can be a reason for someone developing depression. When

some kind of threat is present, your body will produce CRH to rouse your body. Studies have

shown that people who have depression or other disorders have higher CRH levels than normal.

(Harvard Health) Depression and other mental health issues can be caused by a multitude of

problems. The purpose of Harvard Health’s article is to inform people of the severity of

depression. The audience is for all ages. The context for the article is to inform. Harvard

Health is one of the most reliable health websites. Women may experience something called

perinatal depression and postpartum depression. Perinatal depression occurs during

pregnancy and postpartum depression occurs after. (National Institute of Mental Health) The

National Institute of Mental Health is funded by the government and is reliable being updated

in 2020. The purpose is to inform adults and people of all ages. This is in the present context.

Health problems have long been thought to be a major cause of depression. Studies

were conducted in southeast Asia. The studies showed that depression is more prevalent in

patients that have diabetes. Many other factors such as old age, living alone, unemployment,

or divorce may have led to an increase of depression in the patients as well. (IKAKUSUMAWATI,

NOVITA DHEWI) Health problems can create long lasting mood changes that could possibly

lead to depression. According to Harvard Health, health problems may be the root of 15% of all

mental illnesses. This information is from an academic source so it is very reliable. The

audience is for adults and college students. The purpose is solely to inform people of

depression. The context is in present.

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Genetics can play a large role in a person developing a mental disorder. Genes control

every part of your body, even your brain. It’s been known that good and bad genetics can be

passed onto someone's offspring. Whether it is the genetics for increased lung capacity, or if it

is the genetics to develop bipolar disorder, many genetics can be passed on through

generations. Genes turn on and off all throughout life. But if the genes turn off or on to

late/early, your mood could become unstable. (Harvard Health) Other factors such as stress

can tip off the balance on stability as well. Having a parent or a close relative doesn’t

necessarily guarantee you will inherit the bad genes they had. (Harman) Beyond Blue is a non-

profit supported by the government in Australia. It is one of Australia's most trusted health

sites. The purpose is to inform people of depression. The audience is for adults mostly. It is

easy to understand in the present context.

Trauma or death can leave lasting physical and emotional effects on a human.

Researchers have found that early losses or trauma could leave individuals prone to depression

or other mental health problems. Many women who are physically abused by someone will

have lasting emotional trauma and stress, and have a much greater chance of developing

depression than a woman who was not abused. (Harvard Health) The same is also said if a child

doesn’t get enough attention or affection, or is neglected by their parents. The causes of

depression are many, but there are proper treatments you can get for help.

Works Cited
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Publishing, Harvard Health. “What Causes Depression?” Harvard Health,

www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-causes-depression.

IKAKUSUMAWATI, NOVITA DHEWI, et al. “Prevalence of Depression and Its Determinant Among
Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review from Southeast Asia Countries.” International
Journal of Pharmaceutical Research (09752366), vol. 13, no. 1, Jan. 2021, pp. 797–807.
EBSCOhost, doi:10.31838/ijpr/2021.13.01.136.

"Depression." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2020. Gale In Context:
Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/AUAJDX438028126/OVIC?
u=dayt30401&sid=OVIC&xid=d9309839. Accessed 20 Mar. 2021.

Moines, Des. “10 Common Myths & Misconceptions About Depression: UnityPoint Health -
Des Moines.” 10 Common Myths About Depression | UnityPoint Health - Des Moines,
18 June 2018, www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/article.aspx?id=a655c7e2-fe37-4817-
887b-c762ff455b23.

Harman, Georgie. “Beyond Blue.” What Causes Depression - Beyond Blue,

www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/depression/what-causes-depression.

National Institute of Mental Health. “Depression.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services,
www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml.