What triggers clinical depression?
Like any illness, young people can develop depression for no apparent reason - just like catching a cold. However, there are some factors that can increase the chance of developing depression.

Family history of depression
If a close relative has had depression, it increases the chance that others in the family will also develop the illness.

Stressful life events
They can include:

	being verbally or physically hassled at school
	parents separating
	being subjected to physical, verbal or sexual abuse or assault
	the death of a close friend or relative
	a relationship break-up
	being raped
	unplanned pregnancy

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