All My Children

A complex blend of genetic, biochemical, personal, family, and spiritual factors can interact to cause depression. These include:

• Genetics and biochemistry. For a great many individuals, depression is primarily the result of a malfunction of neurotransmitters, compounds that participate in the electrochemical communication between nerve cells in the brain. Very often the vulnerability to a neurotransmitter disturbance appears to have a genetic origin, such that a number of members of the same family may be affected. This vulnerability, among other things, accounts for an individual becoming depressed for no apparent reason or struggling with depression throughout life.

• Personal and family events. A child who is brought up in an atmosphere of love, stability, encouragement, and consistent boundaries will usually see his world differently and interact with it more successfully than one who has lived with abuse, indifference, or chaos. For many individuals depression is deeply rooted in early childhood experiences that taught them that the world is a dangerous place where no one can be trusted.

• Recent stresses and reversals. One or more major losses or traumatic events can set off a depressive episode (often referred to as a reactive depression) that is more prolonged and profound than the normal grieving process. Examples of such stressful events are a severe illness or death of a parent or other loved one (or even a pet); parental separation, divorce, or remarriage; a move from a familiar home; one or more episodes of physical or sexual abuse; a natural disaster; war or violence in the community; difficulty or failure in school or an athletic pursuit; the breakup of a close friendship or romantic relationship; a severe or chronic illness.

• Personal and family faith. A meaningful relationship with God and a sense of His love and involvement in an individual’s life can have a significant stabilizing effect on mood and behavior. An ongoing personal commitment to God and positive connections with others who are caring and like-minded in faith serve to build a child’s emotional world on a firm foundation, such that it will not crumble when the inevitable strains and storms of life arrive. Unfortunately, some religious situations involving intense legalism or an atmosphere of continuing condemnation can contribute to anxiety and depression.

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