by Jonte Rhodes

Created on: October 25, 2007   Last Updated: February 10, 2012

Money is often cited as one of the main causes of depression for a lot of people, and it certainly causes a lot of problems between people. However the idea that money is invariably linked with money seems inaccurate because there are people with plenty of money who never the less still get depressed. Also there are often chemical causes for depression which can be treated, such as having a lack of dopamine in the brain.

People who suffer from other mental health problems such as schizophrenia often feel depressed as a result of not feeling that they are part of society. This of course isn't linked to money or wealth in any way, but to isolation and a lack of connection to society. As well as this many people are depressed for other reasons, such as traumatic events in their lives, bereavements or a whole host of other reasons.

Obviously if someone doesn't have enough money, then it makes everything in life more difficult, and tends to exacerbate problems which you might have with people on a personal level. Money itself in these cases isn't necessarily the cause, more accurately the things which money is used for are what causes the depression. So for example the fact that you cannot procure things that you want, or perhaps that affording your cable package or internet is difficult is the trigger for the depression.

Generally speaking, when people become depressed as a result of money it is due to the fact that they experience sudden changes in their financial situation. This might be something along the lines of losing a job, or having to pay for something large and ongoing such as a mortgage. The problem arises when people don't change their previous spending habits accordingly with their income level. The fact that they eventually cannot afford all of the luxuries and activities which they used to enjoy will often make them depressed.

On the flip side of people with too little money being depressed are the people who are unhappy despite being very rich or at least financially secure. With having a lot of money come a different set of worries such as concerns that every person that you meet only wants to know you because of your money.

Similarly keeping your money once you have it and retaining purpose in life can be difficult. People working their whole life with an eventual aim, such as retiring to the country are generally happier than someone rich but without direction in their life.

The levels of depression in society today has been steadily rising

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