Is depression my fault?

NO! NO! NO!: Depression is an illness thought to occur due to a neurochemical imbalance in the brain. It can happen following certain stressful events, like loss of a job, divorce, or death of a loved one, but it is not because of anything you did or did not do. If you feel depressed, please talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Your family doctor can treat depression with medication and therapy.

Q suggests dep: That very question suggests depression, as inappropriate feelings of guilt frequently accompany depression. There may not always be an identifiable reason to have developed depression. Depression is not punishment, even though it may feel like it. Anyone feeling depressed more often than not or not getting enjoyment out of activities would benefit from talking with primary care physician.

No: But as a colleague said the question itself is part of depression--one blames oneself for all manner of things. See a pro for some help.

No.: No victim of depression is at fault for having depression, but one could say that once he knows he has depression, it would be irresponsible to not do everything within one's power to seek help and do everything necessary to get better.

No, but take action : Once you know you suffer from depressive symptoms, do take the action of asking for help. Depression is a treatable condition. Many factors can trigger depression: genetic predisposition, a stressful environment at work, a rocky relationship in one's personal life or other sad, stressful events. But the sooner you take action, the sooner you can be happy again.