The Biological Cause

• Depression is primarily a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain. When the body fails to produce ample amounts of mood-related chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine, the symptoms associated with depression often occur.
  
  

Psychological and Social Factors

• Psychological and social factors also play an important part in depression. Risk factors for depression include loneliness, financial strain and drug abuse. Unemployment and generally stressful life experiences also increase the risk of the disease.
  
  

Symptoms

• The most common signs of depression include feelings of hopelessness, a loss of energy and changes in sleep patterns. Those suffering from depression also may have issues concentrating and feel a loss of enjoyment in the most simple of activities.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• To avoid depression, it is important to make healthy and positive lifestyle changes and to get regular exercise and sleep. Similarly, relaxation techniques are recommended to cope with daily struggles.
  
  

Treatment

• Therapy is an important tool to learn how to manage depression and find the root of its cause. In addition, medications such as Zoloft and Prozac are helpful in correcting the imbalance in the brain that causes the illness.