Learning what causes depression is key to reducing an individual’s chances of experiencing it. Certain factors contribute to depression, such as genetics (maternal rumination, for instance), life events, and brain chemistry. Having an awareness of these allows us to take steps to lessen their impact on our mental health.
The Understanding Causes of Depression worksheet is a good starting guide that increases clients’ knowledge of the multiple factors that influence depression. It asks them questions that help identify situations, daily habits, thoughts, personal traits, and behaviors that impact their feelings. They can write their thoughts in each box provided, which is accompanied by relevant examples and icons.
Completing this worksheet enhances young people’s self-awareness and empowers them to take healthy coping techniques. As an additional tip, help them discover more resources such as books to further enhance their understanding and ability to manage their emotions better.
You can also start open, age-appropriate discussions as an opportunity to answer any questions or concerns children may have.
This worksheet pairs well with our Causes of Depression in Kids and Teens handout.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of depression worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Amaltinga, A. P., & Mbinta, J. F. (2020). Factors associated with depression among young people globally: A narrative review. International Journal Of Community Medicine And Public Health, 7(9), 3711. https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20203949
- Bernaras, E., Jaureguizar, J., & Garaigordobil, M. (2019). Child and adolescent depression: A review of theories, evaluation instruments, prevention programs, and treatments. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00543
- Burns, J. M., Andrews, G., & Szabo, M. (2002). Depression in young people: What causes it and can we prevent it? Medical Journal of Australia, 177(S7). https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.2002.tb04864.
