I think what makes people depressed is their coping stratagies-I know thats spelled wrong, people get stressed about simple things in life that are overwhelming them, so they become depressed and start thinking about suicide cos thats the easy escape.

but im depressed and my mums depressed too, maybe coincedence or maybe it runs in our family?

For some people, it is inherent. You can be biologically predisposed to it, in which case, it doesn't matter how great your life is. You will need to treat it.

But for some people, it can be a result of life experiences and then turn into something more that you can't control. You know what I mean? Either way, depression can be treated by various therapies or medications. Don't let yourself stay depressed! You're worth more than that.

I think that depression is as diverse as the people who have to live with it.

For some, it's predispositioned.

For others, i think it's simply a backlogue of mismanaged coping techniques that cause your brain to react a certain way... it's almost like a trained thing.

For others still, it's a physical reaction to the environment. IE: SADS or other depression related to weather.

and then, for others, it can be a combination of all of it. It's a very complicated disorder, and that's probably why it's so hard to treat.

Given my experience I'd have to agree with marvel. For me depression runs in my family and I'm sure that I have some serious mismanaged coping techniques when it comes to life in general. One feeds upon the other and it just plain sucks. So yeah, it can be pretty diverse.

I'd like to add that in my opinion, "bad coping mechanisms" are a RESULT of depression, not the cause.

Know what I mean?? It's a vicious cycle.