What factors can trigger depression?

Some possible triggers for depression can also be:

1. Physical illness. That's why it's important to see your Health Care Provider in order to rule out any underlying medical causes for depression, especially if there are no obvious triggers. Along these lines, a new and/or chronic illness, an exacerbation of symptoms, or a loss of usual function or body part can also cause depression.
2. Seasonal affective disorder. People in northern climes can become depressed in the wintertime due to lack of sunlight and short days.
3. Unresolved anger.
4. Financial stress.
5. Certain medications are known to trigger depression in some people. If you are taking any medication, and you notice that you are becoming depressed, more depressed (if you already are), or have suicidal thoughts, you need to contact your Health Care Provider immediately.

Paying attention to these types of triggers and getting professional help as early as possible when you start feeling depressed is very important. It's easier to treat in its' early stages then waiting for it to become full-blown.

According to a research study performed by Posener et al. (2003), which utilized magnetic resonance imaging to take pictures of the hippocampus of 27 individuals with depression and 42 individuals with no symptoms of depression, the structural shape of the hippocampus of an individual with depression is abnormal. A normal hippocampus is shaped like a seahorse and an abnormal one becomes round. Thus, any notable structural discrepancy in the shape of the hippocampus found in the cerebral cortex can lead an incongruity in its functions, thus contributing to the discrepancy in the body’s equilibrium, as evidenced by the study performed by Posener et al. (2003) on the hippocampus. 

There are numerous triggers of depression. These can include illness, loss of a loved one, financial problems, seasonal changes, relocation, divorce, loss of a job, and other major life changes.