is mental illness hereditary ?

Question

My father had depression and eventually killed himself .. my uncle (his brother ) had depression and recently killed himself
I myself am on anti depressants ( but i believe this is due to my overactive thryoid ? ) (so the docs told me )
I am just worried that maybe its hereditary as my fathers uncles 2 of them also commited suicide as well

Answer 1

yes
but you recognizing the problem leads me to believe you won't let this happen to you
you do not have to take the same path
do not despair
counseling
medication and support groups can help you stay on the right path
stay positive
you are not your father or your uncle
you are you you
only you can fight for you to avoid the same fate

Answer 2

I really do feel for you, I'm so sorry for your losses. The brain is a most powerful engine, when things start to go wrong all you can do is try to fix it, the best way you know how. I am half and half on the hereditary theory. I would be dead if it was so but i have had a struggle with suicide all my life. I will fight the voices cos i know i want to live. My husband also committed suicide, he was the only person in his family, so please take some comfort from this .xxxxxxxxxx

Answer 3

There is always a chance for hereditary especially in first relatives but what has happened to your family is a VERY rare case and a percentage I must say.
Mental disorders can be hereditary but need that "special" environment to flurish.
You may be on antidepressants currently and yes may suffer from depression but that does not mean you will commit suicide or even attempt to for that matter.
It is up to you to prevent that from happening.
By seeking professional help and having a good and healthy support group I think you will be fine and you will be a true "survivor" !

Good luck and I am sorry for your losses.

Answer 4

Who is not mentally ill!
What counts is, a person ability to overcome the illness.
Today the Science of Psychiatry is educated enough to handle any kind of mental illnesses.
The worst thing a person can do, is to concentrate on the problem by self competency. As such an action could lead to the wrong decision.
You must understand, that you are an individual: Means you are a completely different person than others.
You don't have to be worried about other peoples problems, especially now, that they had passed away.
Depression is a common mental illness, like any other illness, it can be cured or treated. Go to a Psychiatrist, and find out all about it. Then you shell feel a different environment that is ready to welcome people like you, who on their own terms are carrying other peoples problems. Hope I am comfort to you. Bye.

Answer 5

I bloody hope not or I am due for a life of alcohol and depression mixed in with a healthy dose of shouting my husband down and not forgiving or forgetting anything he does. I have suffered from mild depression in the past and still have some blue days but I think, or at least hope, that I will realise when I need to ask for help. You sound like you fear the thought of depression taking you to the point where you want to die and that is a good thing, it means you don't want to die. I have always seen it like this, just do not be afraid to ask for help and you will always come out the other side. x

Answer 6

Yes mental illness such as Depression can be hereditary. But by no means think you will go down the same path as your relatives who have suicide. Depression is treatable and together with the right type of counselling it can be beaten. Get yourself some skills to deal with your depression and you will be more equipped to deal with your symptoms.

Lifestyle factors influence our moods as well, it's not all about inheriting this illness.

Answer 7

Some forms of mental illness's are hereditary, yes. Depression can be hereditary, or enviromental. Ask to talk to a therapist, or psychyatrist, or something. Your family doctor is not generally the best person to diagnose mental illness.

Answer 8

A number of research studies indicate that mental illness can be hereditary. In addition, a number of faiths indicate that it can be spiritual or as they call it generational curses.

One interesting book that deals with a more psychological and scientific approach to dealing with family based depression is:
"Hand-Me-Down-Blues" by Michael D. Yapko, Ph.D.

Answer 9

Maybe, but you've also got self-fulfilling prophecies too. If you're sure you're going to kill yourself, you're going to eventually start encouraging yourself too.

Some mental illnesses are hereditary. I don't think clinical depression is as easy as that; sure, some people have more depressive personalities, but that's usually to do with their upbringing. If it is hereditary, be the first one to stop it!

Answer 10

Recognition of the condition is half the battle won. Knowing what has happenned must surely allow you to see warning signs and change accordingly. A friend of mine was in a very similar situation. He recognised what was happening, and changed from a stressful job, allowing him to cope better with other problems.

Nothing is inevitable while you have a choice in the matter.

Good Luck