Depression can be brought on for several different reasons. This could be for some untoward incident which has affected the person’s life and has caused stress and trauma or for many other reasons which could be both physical and mental. If a person shows signs of depression he or she is in definite need of help which could be by way of offering comfort or even medication. If it is the loss of a loved one or separation which has brought on depression it will heal with time, but if it is because of a chemical imbalance then it will only get worse without proper treatment. If the neurotransmitters which are chemicals which stimulate the condition of the brain are carrying signals to the brain which bring on signs of depression then the person needs treatment from a qualified psychiatrist. Often there is a family history of mental imbalance in people who suffer from psychotic depression and manic depression like bipolar disorder. This shows a problem in the genes of the person and only medication can help.
However, traumatic experiences and illnesses which could be fatal also bring on severe signs of depression which may need mild anti depressants to make the person comfortable. These illnesses are cancer, HIV and AIDs and heart disease.
Medication for certain conditions also causes depression and if there is an antidote for it, it could help, but if not then the patient may have to endure the side effects. Addictions to certain drugs and alcohol are also responsible for depression in a person and sometimes it could just be that the nature of the person is a negative one which makes them feel inadequate and have a low self esteem bringing on depression.