is depression hereditory?

Question

my mum is severely depressed,it isnt helped by her so called husband. she is on prozac, to be taken every day, and if she doesnt take it he makes a big issue of it in front of lots of people, usually down the pub.i dont speak to her any more for years of abuse, both from her and previous partners, they also both drink a lot which im sure doesnt help.i finally got my life sorted around three eyars ago, i made a life for myself with my best friendf who i love mroe than anything in the world, we have a two year old son, things couldnt be better... except soemtimes i get down, i dont know why. i get paranoid and easily upset. i cry over silly things, and i am unable to explain why i feel this way as even in my own head it douns stupid.
i used to self harm, though managed to quit after getting sorted out, i have tried suicide too many times. i didnt bond with my son until he was over a year old, people told me this was post natal depression.

did my mum turn me into a manic depressive>?

Answer 1

First of all well done for turning your life around in site of the lack of support you had from your family.

Secondly, it's ok to get down sometimes - everyody does and it could just be a late response to all that is in your past rather than it being a hereditry thing. I'm not 100% sure if depression is inherited through the genes or simply learned as a behaviour. It could be either or both in theory. However, even if there is the potential, it certainly doesn't mean you will turn out like your Mum.

The key thing here is heavy drinking - that in itself can cause depression if not controlled properly by the drinker.

In terms of post-natal depression it's certainly worth seeing your doctor and asking if you could speak to someone, a counsellor, about your feelings when learning to bond with your son and also about your down times. It certainly doesn't mean you'll end up on Prozac though just because you talk to someone. Doing so might actually help you come to terms with the past.

There are some herbal supplements for down times which are St John's Wort and 5-htp - both which can be bought over the counter in Holland and Barrett or Boots.

It's probably worth discussing this with your doctor as well - some are more supportive than others so find another doctor if yours isn't.

One thing though - St John's Wort can inerfere with the contraceptive pill.

I know you're probaly very busy as a mother but if you can find some me-time then join a gym and make exercise part of your life if it's not already. The endorphins are a great way to deal with feeling down.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Mother is involved possibly through genetics, not by choice. You are showing signs of Bipolar Affective Disorder. I was diagnosed 2 years ago as Bipolar2, after just being treated for general depression for over a year. There's Bipolars1-3 & undetermined. Depending on the severity of the illness is what determines what type. Bipolar is a diorder of the brain's neurotransmitters where serotonin and other chemicals are altered. If gone undiagnosed or untreated the disorder progresses and makes you "act-out" possibly more frequently or with more intensity or both. Medicines are available to help stablize your chemical balance. Symptoms of the disorder include Alcoholism,drug abuse,manic episodes(ranging from highs of well-being to extreme sadness or rage), episode length also varies by person. You can be down for min, hrs, weeks, even months. Suicide, self destructive behaviors are also major signs. Drinking and drugs are usually used to self-medicate to make thoughts and feelings you can't control shut-up for a while, a temporary way out. Not 1 medication for depression will work the same for everybody. Some antidepressant actually can make your symptoms worse, so you must work closely with your doctor to find the right treatment. Depression is, in some cases, genetic. It can also hit you at any time of your life. It must be treated through therapy or medication or sometimes both. 15% of people with depression do commit suicide. 80% of people who get proper treatment fully resume a normal mind and life. Find your support team. Help yourself so you can help others. See who's depending on you.

Answer 3

Depression can run in families. My grandmother is manic, my sister and I both suffer from it and so do most of my aunt and uncles. The worst thing you can do is blame yourself for any wrong doing of others, but dont think you are an angel either. Take responsibility for your actions and deal with one thing at a time.
I finally went to the doctor and I am now on Effexor XR which has helped out more than I thought it would.
Do not try to harm yourself. Especially now that you have a child who depends on you. Get help. It is hard to admit and its hard to talk about, but it is something that needs to be done. Suicide is only a selfish way to leave your problems on others. I know you don't want to leave that burden on your child.
Get to a doctor or professional who can help.
Keep your head up. There is always a reason for everything that happens! Always a bright side.

Answer 4

I inherited bipolar disorder/clinical depression from my mom's side of the family. Now, my mom doesn't have either (that she'll admit to) and neither does my sister (it runs only in the women, for some reason), but it hit me hard.

The thing is, some people develop problems as adults due to issues they had with their parents growing up. Some people inherit these traits or they manage to luck out and not have any problems at all.

With you, it sounds like it could be an inherited thing or possibly even post-partum depression. I advise you to see a counselor, no matter which one it is. Because I know just how difficult it is to deal with problems alone. The hormones from your pregnancy could've triggered a pre-existing condition (I started showing symptoms when I hit puberty because of the hormones), or they simply could've been unbalanced and caused a problem. Like I said, either way? It sucks.

Believe me, I'm in love with an amazing man and I get along better with my parents and I'm doing quite well in school, but I still cry over LITERALLY nothing and lock myself in my room all day, crying and trying to resist opening a vein or two.

I wish you the best of luck. :)

Answer 5

Depressive behaviour is easy to learn, as is abusive behaviour. Does it matter what research papers say about it? There could have been genetic or learned behavioural aspects of your depression. Finding something to blame isn't always that healthy, as it can put the availability of curing or helping it outside of our own control.

The main thing is how to unlearn the mindset and behaviours that result in depression. It seem like you have done alot of good work on this. Well done!

As depression is an illness, please make sure that you are properly cared for when you need it. This may include medication, NLP therapy, Cognitive Behavioural thereapy, counselling or whatever works for you.

You may be especially vulnerable at times of high stress, so managing stress may help keep low moods away. People who have had depression are prone to recurring bouts of it, and this is where medication can help break the recurrence, if the treatment was effective first time around.

Good luck! Rob

Answer 6

i guess it can be hereditory - but do not worry, many people acquire it on their own without have got any "paranoic genes" from their parents. So it must be the other way round as well - not necessarilly depressed parents produce depressed children. I guess it maybe a different thing - how powerful one´s drive in life is. You know, it is usually easier for children and teenagers since they have so many things to discover and usually their drive is really strong. Later, esp. after graduation it may become a problem since people just do not know what to do with themselves, they kind of lose purpose in life. Common opinion has it that family helps, but I am not at all sure - for some spouses and children do become purpose in life but it does not come to that by definition. Brits manage it better than some other nations (as they have stong inclination to hobbies and all sort of clubs). In other words , the solution is - find a passion in life. Literature, music, DIY, collectiom of stamps, re-enactions... Thank's God we have a choice!!! PS If you find something creative , not just passive it is much better, has a stronger grip on you!

Answer 7

Depression isn't exactly hereditary but the tendency to depression can be inherited.
Growing up as you did in a dysfunctional household you didn't have the same chance to learn coping skills to deal with everyday life and it sounds like you had a lot to deal with in your everyday life.
Your mother didn't turn you into a manic depressive, it doesn't sound like you are bi-polar. You may have some post natal depression, that can last a long time.
Your best moves now would be talking to a symapthetic GP about counselling, ask about support groups in your area and relax. You are NOT becoming your mother!

Answer 8

In most cases. some are affected by seasonal effective disorder which usually happen during a series of cloudy days, see pacific northwest.
the only reason I say that is runs in my family as well. Its is quite a sight to see all of them together having a few drinks,which is an usually is problem. My mother,and 2 sisters have a problem with it, usually stems from life circumstances and the lack of doing something about changing those. I experience it as well,but find things positive to do to keep mind off whatever it is that is bothering me .I also think that most all people have their own bouts with depression, but are able to cope with it by keeping their minds occupied with other and a host of things to do leaving no time to be under the dark cloud..

Answer 9

No depression is hereditary. Any depression can be cured by prayer and meditiation

Your prayer is from your heart. Further You must have to understood the fact that God is present in our heart. This can be realised in meditation. Further we are the creation of our own destiny. As per Hindu sacred religion, we carry all good and bad deeds life after life. There is no end unless we pray for unification of self with the divineliness.
Hence there is always a possible way to complete mergence with God in this life by a simple and wonderful meditation

Answer 10

Depression is in fact hereditary ,but enviornment plays a role as well. genetics is strong factor but it isnt enough something else must "strike".
If you have knowledge that this condition is hereditary you must also be cautious regarding the enviornmental factors. Take care to educate yourself regarding your condition learn to manage your symptoms and live a productive life, its a difficult tasks but hopefully your children wont be exposed to certain factors that increase the likelyhood of developing mental illness Stop the cycle,it can end with you.
Good luck