8 Risk Factors of Depression

Risk factors for diseases are the things that increase the likelihood that you’ll get the disease or condition. Risk factors don’t guarantee you’ll develop the condition, but they do raise your risk. For example, inactivity is a risk factor for heart disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean you’ll 100% develop heart disease, but it does increase your risk. Just like there are risk factors for diseases like heart disease, there are also risk factors for mental health conditions too. In this blog, our team of experts explores the risk factors associated with depression.

1. Family History of Depression

Having a family history of depression can increase your risk for developing the condition too. Remember, though, that there are many ways you can support your mental health, even if you don’t have any symptoms of depression. Eating well-balanced meals, staying active, getting enough sleep, managing  underlying health conditions, and managing stress all go a long way in supporting your mental health.

It’s also important to know the symptoms and signs of depression so that if you can receive treatment as soon as possible.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

According to the experts at Johns Hopkins, inactivity can also exacerbate or add to feelings of depression. Inactivity affects your mental and physical wellness in many ways. Not only does a lack of physical activity increase your risk of obesity and diabetes, it also affects your mood. This is true for both adults and children. A lack of physical activity during adolescence is linked to a higher rate of depression by the age of 18.

The good news is that this is a risk factor within your control. Research shows that exercise (especially if it’s outside) can improve your mood. You don’t need to be a marathoner to experience the benefits of exercise. Even little strides to add more physical activity into your day can help support your mental wellness.

You can add more physical activity into your day by:

• Getting up every hour to stretch your legs and walk around
• Walking an extra block when  you walk your dog
• Going for a short walk after dinner or on your lunch break
• Taking the stairs instead of elevator, when applicable
• Dancing in your living room
• Playing tag or catch in the yard with your kids
• Going for a hike on the weekend

You can also try at-home workouts.

3. Underlying Medical Illnesses and Chronic Pain

In addition to your family history, your own personal medical history can also play a role in your depression diagnosis. Medical illnesses — including cancer, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease — can increase your risk of depression. Hormonal shifts, including menopause, thyroid disorders, and testosterone deficiency, can also increase the risk of depression. Hormonal shifts after childbirth can also increase your risk of developing a specific type of depression called postpartum depression.

Chronic pain (from arthritis, cancer, neuropathy, etc.) is also linked with increased risk of depression.

4. Age

Age is another risk factor for depression. Lack of activity, death of a loved one, isolation (in a nursing home), age-related insomnia, increasing health conditions can all increase the risk for depression in the elderly. Unfortunately, the elderly are often undertreated when it comes to depression. Depression can present in many ways, including fatigue, sleeping more, and loss of appetite. If you’re feeling blue and the feelings just don’t let up, don’t hesitate to reach out.

5. Insomnia

Not sleeping well isn’t a risk factor of depression just for the elderly. No matter what age you are, if you’re not sleeping well, it can impact your mental health.

“Depression and sleep problems are closely linked. People with insomnia, for example, may have a tenfold higher risk of developing depression than people who get a good night’s sleep. And among people with depression, 75 percent have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.” (source)

If you’re not sleeping well, now is the time to improve your sleep hygiene. You can learn more about sleep hygiene here.

6. Stress

Sometimes stress is a good thing. The stress of a deadline at work can motivate you to get the project done. However, chronic, unmanaged stress can take a toll on your physical and mental wellness. If you’re not coping well with chronic stress, you’re more likely to become depressed and/or anxious.

Stress management techniques include:

• Exercising
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Deep breathing
• Time management

You can learn more about how stress impacts your brain here.

7. Big Life Changes

Change is hard for many people, and how well you handle stress can impact your mental health. Even positive changes can increase your risk for depression if you’re not prepared. Examples of big life changes include:

• Buying a new house
• Getting married
• Having a child
• Moving to a new state
• Experiencing the loss of a relationship
• Experiencing the loss of a loved one
• Getting a new pet
• Starting a new job

Remember, just because you experience a big life change doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop depression. However, you can further reduce your risk of becoming depressed by preparing for big changes as much as possible. You can embrace change by:

• Focusing on what you can control
• Acknowledge your fears but take action anyway (it’s okay to feel nervous starting a new job or moving to a new state, but don’t let it stop you from pursuing your dreams!)
• Accept and engage with grief (rather than avoiding dealing with it)

8. Certain Medications

Certain medications can increase your risk for depression. This includes sedatives, sleeping pills, some seizure medication, and certain medications for heart problems and asthma. If you suspect that your feelings of depression are linked to your medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to your prescribing provider.

At Next Step 2 Mental Health, we know how profoundly any mental health condition can impact all aspects of your life, and if you’re struggling now, you don’t have to wait until it gets worse before reaching out for help. Our compassionate, non-judgmental team offers a variety of treatments, including medication and therapy.

To reclaim control over your life, call our Louisville, Kentucky office at 502-339-2442. You can also request an appointment online.