Triggers for Depression Worksheet

A trigger is any stimulus around or within you that pushes you into a depressive episode or makes your depressive symptoms worse. Knowing these triggers can help you work on deploying effective coping strategies when needed and minimise chances of relapse.

Following is a list of some common triggers of depression. Mark the ones that apply to you and use the blank space in the ‘others’ section to write any other triggers that are specific to your condition or give more detail about the ones you have already marked in the list.

Common triggers of depression
Chronic physical illness
Diagnosis of any other mental illness
Loss of a loved one - Going through grief
Relationship difficulties
Substance or alcohol abuse
Excessive stress
Exposure to a traumatic event
Financial problems
Sleep deprivation
Poor nutrition/eating habits
Being overworked due to work/school/other responsibilities
Giving birth - Postpartum depression
Excessive social media usage
Ending of an important relationship
Major life changes/transitions
Others:
Others:

Reference

Leahy, R.L., Holland, S.J. & McGinn, L. K. (2011). Treatment Plans and Interventions for Depression and Anxiety Disorders (Second ed.). Guilford Press.

You can download more Mental Health worksheets here.

Please note: There may be a more up-to-date and editable version of this worksheet available here which may be more suitable to present to clients if you are a therapist or to use in a classroom as a teacher or guidance counsellor.