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If it's an emergency, call 911. Call or text 988, 24 hours a day. For support in Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. dafne is not an emergency service.
Why do people get depressed?
There’s no single cause. Depression usually comes from a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Sometimes it’s linked to a loss, a trauma or a very stressful period, and other times it appears for no clear reason. It’s not the fault of the person who lives with it.
Factors that can play a role
Family history
Having a close relative with depression or another mental health condition can raise your risk. That doesn’t mean you’ll have it, but it’s worth paying attention to how you feel.
Difficult experiences
Trauma, the death of a loved one, a separation, losing a job or living through violence can trigger depression, sometimes long afterwards.
Stress that builds up
Money problems, overwork or caring for others without a break wear you down over time. When stress doesn’t go away, it can open the door to depression.
Loneliness and life changes
Moving to another country, living far from family, adapting to a new culture and language, or feeling you have no one to talk to are experiences many immigrants know well. Loneliness and the lack of a support network can weigh heavily.
Physical and health changes
In women, hormonal changes during pregnancy, after giving birth or in menopause can play a role. Some chronic illnesses are also linked to depression and can make it worse.
No clear cause
Sometimes depression appears even when “everything is fine.” That doesn’t make it any less real or valid.
How depression affects your daily life
Depression isn’t only felt in your mood. It can also show up in:
- Your energy: it’s hard to get up or do simple tasks.
- Your sleep and appetite: you sleep or eat much more or much less than before.
- Your work: it’s hard to concentrate, remember things or keep up with responsibilities.
- Your relationships: you pull away from family, your partner or friends, or get irritated easily.
- How you see yourself: you feel worthless, like a burden or that nothing will get better.
Can depression be prevented?
It can’t always be prevented, but some habits help protect your mental health: staying in touch with people you trust, sleeping well, moving your body, asking for help when stress builds up and not waiting until you’re at your limit to talk to someone. Recognizing the signs early also makes a difference.
Depression can be treated
The good news is that depression is treatable. Therapy helps you understand what’s happening, identify what makes you feel worse and find ways to take care of yourself. You don’t need to know exactly why you feel this way to start. At dafne you have virtual sessions in Spanish with a therapist licensed in your state. Learn more about online therapy for depression.
If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Is depression hereditary?
Having relatives with depression can raise your risk, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have it. Depression comes from a combination of factors, and family history is only one of them.
Can you be depressed for no reason?
Yes. Sometimes depression appears without a clear cause, even when life seems to be going well. That doesn’t make it any less real. If you feel this way, it’s worth talking to a professional.
How does depression affect a relationship?
Depression can make a person withdraw, have less patience or lose interest in spending time together. Their partner may feel confused or rejected. Talking about what’s happening and seeking professional support helps both understand that it isn’t a lack of love.
Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health. Depression. Last reviewed: December 2024.
- MedlinePlus (Spanish). Depresión. Last updated: March 17, 2025.
- 988 Lifeline. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Accessed: October 2026.