According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), nearly 20 million Americans each year have a mental illness. These include major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia, both considered forms of clinical depression.

While some people experience depression throughout their lives, others develop symptoms later in life, and this is especially true for women who tend to experience depression earlier than men.

Because women are nearly twice as likely as men to suffer from depression, they often don't seek treatment due to the belief their symptoms are typical, or they should get over it.

The following article looks at some unfamiliar causes of depression. Albeit, there are plenty of examples to choose from in the study literature.

What is depression

Depression is a mood disorder that involves a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It is different from the mood fluctuations that people regularly experience as a part of life.

A Common Condition

A huge 80% of all mothers experience the ‘baby blues’, which classically arrive in the first week after the birth (often on day four!) and are usually dispelled after a few days with plenty of support from your partner, family and friends.

For one in ten new mums, however, ‘the blues’ last longer than two weeks and are often a sign that postnatal depression is developing. Postnatal depression can begin at any time during the first year. It can be experienced by first time mums, mums who already have several children and even fathers – although theirs usually kicks in later, around 3-6 months after the birth. Postnatal depression can also affect women who have had a miscarriage or stillbirth.