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Reducing Your Risk of Depression

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

ConditionInDepth

Reducing Your Risk of Depression

It may not always be possible to prevent depression. But some people may be able to lower their risk. Some things that may help are:

Being Aware of Depression Risk

A person needs to be aware of their own risk of depression. Some things that raise the risk are:

  • Having people in the family with the same problems
  • High levels of stress
  • Major life changes such as a death, or problems with relationships or a job
  • Having been bullied as a child
  • Past sexual or physical abuse
  • Psychological issues such as:
    • Low self-esteem
    • Perfectionism
    • Sensitivity to loss or rejection
  • Lack of social support
  • Having had bouts of depression before
  • Long-term health problems
  • Heart attack
  • Long term pain
  • Hormonal changes—can happen after having a baby or with menopause
  • Anxiety
  • Medicines that can cause depression
  • Problems with alcohol or substance use disorders

References

  • Depressive disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/mood-disorders/depressive-disorders.
  • Depression in children and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/depression-in-children-and-adolescents.
  • Depression in older adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/depression-in-older-adults.
  • Depression (mild to moderate). EBSCO Natural and Alternative Treatments website. Available at: https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/natural-alternative-treatments.
  • Depression. National Institute of Mental Health website. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml.
  • Ellison CG, Flannelly KJ. Religious involvement and risk of major depression in a prospective nationwide study of African American adults. J Nerv Ment Dis. 2009;197(8):568-573.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.