Depression is a state of mind which many of us knowingly and unknowingly suffer. There are several reasons that can cause depression in an individual. However, research shows that there are several causes of depression, neither of which is fully understood. Depression can be caused by a life changing event; good or bad, such as a divorce, break up, death, marriage, birth of a child, etc. Also, in many individuals, excessive stress can be a major cause of depression. Moreover the causes of depression are individualized, which means that there is not a particular "cause" - something that causes depression in one may not affect another at all.

There is also "Seasonal depression" in which a person feels normal and happy in all months except winter. This is probably caused by the natural decrease in light and the lessened ability to be outside. However, there are certain factors that may make some people more prone than others to react to a loss or failure with a clinical depression. Such causes or factors are:

• Life changing events
• a biochemical imbalance in the brain,
• Psychological factors, like a negative or pessimistic view of life.
• Family history of depression
• Break up with partner
• Death of someone close
• Job loss
• Temporary failure