Genetics, brain chemicals, and one’s life situation have long been known as the major causes of depression. However, when assessing this type of emotional state, most people tend to forget about another underlying factor: stress.

In her article on Psychology Today, Dr. Alice Boyes writes that stress has “indirect effects” that can cause depression. She explains that when a person experiences stress, he or she often neglects the healthy coping strategies that keep his or her mood healthy, which in effect, causes more mood problems.

Moreover, once a person experiences initial stress and starts to feel changes in his or her mood, these symptoms may follow increased stress, until it piles up into something bigger, causing one to feel depressed.

Apart from these, disrupted relationships caused by overworking, irritability, and withdrawal, as well as increased unhealthy coping, such as excessive alcohol use, are as seen as additional underlying factors that can turn stress into depression.

To cope with this situation, experts advise that one should have a sense of self-awareness when he or she feels like stress is getting on the way. Through this, a person may be able to identify strategies for maintaining a well-balanced life far from stress and depression.

Dr. Jacqueline Sabarese is a lawyer and a licensed NYS psychologist who holds a PhD in clinical psychology. More industry-related news and information about Dr. Sabarese’s expertise are available on this Twitter page.