Depressive disorder—commonly known as depression—is a widespread mental health condition that affects how you think, feel, and behave. It often brings on intense feelings of sadness and hopelessness that last for two or more weeks, along with a range of physical and behavioral symptoms. These symptoms can make it difficult to function in daily life and lower your overall quality of life.

There isn’t one single cause of depression. Instead, it’s believed to result from a combination of factors—genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological. In the United States, depression affects about one in six people. Understanding what increases the risk of depression can help you or someone you care about seek support and manage the condition more effectively.

Is Depression Hereditary?

Some mental health experts believe depression has a genetic link, meaning that it can run in families. If you have a parent or sibling with depression, your chances of experiencing it yourself are higher—estimated to be two to three times more likely.

Certain genes may influence brain chemistry, making some people more vulnerable to depressive episodes. Neurotransmitters—brain chemicals that allow neurons to communicate—play a role in mood regulation. If these chemicals don’t function as they should, the risk of depression and other mental health disorders may increase.

However, genetics isn’t the only contributor. Having certain genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop depression, and not everyone with depression has a family history of the condition.

Who Gets Depression?

Depression can affect anyone at any time, regardless of background. Still, certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing symptoms.

Common risk factors include:

  • Younger age: Teens and young adults are more likely to be diagnosed with depression.

  • Being assigned female at birth: Depression is about twice as common in women as in men. Hormonal changes, including fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, may contribute to this increased risk.

  • Pregnancy and childbirth: These experiences can raise the risk of depression, including postpartum depression. Stressful events such as miscarriage or traumatic births may further heighten the risk.

  • Chronic health conditions: Long-term illnesses like cancer, lupus, thyroid disorders, and chronic pain can increase depression risk. Mental health conditions like anxiety can also make depressive symptoms more likely.

  • Nervous system conditions: Disorders that impact the brain or spinal cord—such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or traumatic brain injury—can contribute to depression.

  • Substance use: Using drugs or alcohol, or having a history of substance use disorder, is linked with a higher chance of developing depression.

Risk Factors

Stressful life events are one of the leading contributors to depression. While you can’t control everything that happens in life, understanding what increases your risk can help you take action when needed.

Major life events can create high levels of stress that affect mental health. These include:

  • Death or loss of a loved one

  • Divorce, breakups, or the end of a relationship

  • Serious injury or illness

  • Losing a job or being laid off

  • Experiencing natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires

  • Being exposed to violence or trauma

  • Financial struggles or poverty

  • Losing housing or relocating suddenly

  • Starting at a new school or college

  • Being in an accident

  • Living through a pandemic

  • Facing systemic issues like racism, sexism, homophobia, or misogyny

  • Becoming a caregiver for a child, elderly parent, or ill family member

Even positive changes—such as getting married, buying a home, or expecting a baby—can cause significant stress and may lead to depression.

People who lack strong social support are also more likely to become depressed after difficult life events. Making time to connect with loved ones, joining support groups, or working with a mental health professional can help protect your emotional well-being during challenging periods.

A Quick Review

Depression is a complex and common condition that affects mood, thinking, and behavior. While there’s no single cause, a range of factors—including genetics, environment, life stress, and health conditions—can raise your risk.

Factors such as a family history of depression, hormonal shifts, chronic illness, substance use, and stressful events all contribute to increased vulnerability. Depression can be hard to face—but recognizing these risk factors can guide you or someone you care about toward getting the right support and treatment.