8 risk factors for major depressive disorder

Major depression (also called clinical depression, major depressive disorder, or MDD) doesn't discriminate. However, though anyone can become depressed, several factors can increase your personal risk of major depression. These include the following:

Sex

Women are about twice as likely as men to have depression during their lifetime. Experts believe this is due to a combination of factors including:

• Hormonal changes related to puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
• Social and cultural factors that affect women
• Added stress from work, parenthood, and caregiving

Age

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that about 13 percent of people ages 12 and older in the United States have depression. The depression rate tends to be highest in adolescents ages 12 to 19 and lowest in adults ages 60 and older, according to the CDC. Rates of depression have risen overall since the mid-2010s.

Family history of depression

Major depression can affect you even if you don't have a family history of it. But you're more likely to develop depression if you have a relative—especially a parent, sibling, or child—with depression. Current research shows that the risk for clinical depression is most likely a result of both genetics and other life factors, such as experiencing trauma early in life.

Personal history of depression

About 50 percent of people who experience major depression become clinically depressed again. That's because depression is a condition that often returns. The right treatment for depression can reduce the chance of a relapse and keep repeat episodes of major depression as short as possible.

Stress

The stress of divorce, the death of a loved one, or another painful experience can raise your risk of clinical depression. The same is true for traumatic childhood events, which can trigger major depression in adults. If you've ever had depression or have a family history of depression, your risk of developing depression due to stress or grief may be even higher.

Substance use

People with depression often use alcohol or drugs to feel better. But substance use may raise your risk of depression. Experts think drug use may lower the brain's ability to deal with stress, making you more vulnerable to depression and making episodes of depression more severe.

Social support

When it comes to your health—mental and physical—there's something to be said for having friends and loved ones around when you need them. Not having enough support is a risk factor for major depression. Likewise, if your depression isn't treated, it can get in the way of good relationships.

Chronic illness or medications

People with a chronic physical or mental condition such as cancer, stroke, or anxiety are more likely to also have depression. Some medications can also raise your risk of major depression.

Experts don't know exactly why some people get major depression and others don't, but they do know that some risk factors can make you more vulnerable to experiencing it. Depression can affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally. If you feel depressed or have key risk factors, talk to a healthcare provider. With the right treatment, you can take control of major depression.

If you or someone you love is experiencing thoughts of self-harm, call, text, or chat 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting ‘HELLO’ to 741741. If you or someone you know is in immediate or life-threatening danger, call 911 right away or go to the nearest emergency room.