is depression something your born with?

Question

I was diagnosed moderately to severely depressed about two months ago. My low moods started about a year ago as a result of my acne and gradually I became worse as I secluded myself from my friends and social situations. before this though i was popular at school out evry friday and saturday night had loads of friends, I'd have occasional times when I'd feel low but i'd be able to make myself get out of it quite quickly. now i cant get out of my depression that was brought on by my acne, i have stopped talking to my friends and have become a recluse.
I think i'm depressed because of my acne even though i know its irrational. but now that i'm depressed i remember alot of times during my teens when i'd get very down that i had previously forgotten about.

so my question is... have i been born with this depression and is it something that i will never be able to get rid of?

also my mother was diagnosed as depressed when i was in my teens after my dad left and my brother has been diagnosed schiznoprenic.
So is it possible that this is genetic or could it be more down to the enviroment i was brought up in?

thanks for all your answers so far!

i've been on prozac for 6 days

Answer 1

There are genetic predispositions for various forms of mental health problems such as bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, and schizophrenia; however, just being born with the genetic predispositions does not mean you will become depressed, or, if you develop depression, that you will not be able to come out of your depression. You merely need a term of psychological counseling and probably some medication. There are many depression medications out on the market, including many derivatives of Prozac, all with different side effects. There are several with very mild or few side effects, too. A psychologist cannot prescribe medication, but they can suggest you see a physician or psychiatrist who can. For your type of situational depression, your treatment would most probably be relatively short-term and not a life-long thing, but only a trained psychologist or psychiatrist can make that determination. I was clinically depressed over fifteen years ago as a result of a hormone imbalance. There are now medications that work much better and faster than the few months it took Prozac to work for me. Clinical depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain and antidepressants help to restore chemical balance. It should only be temporary, so don't be discouraged; however, you will probably always have the disposition for clinical depression to reoccur. Good counceling will explain this to you and how to help yourself prevent recurrence. Please don't worry...there are so many people who go through life with clinical depression without recognizing it and getting treatment. You are lucky. You know the problem and are getting treatment. Happy days are just around the corner! Speedy recovery and my best to you!

Answer 2

depressions are quite a complex thind and can have all sorts of causes. sure if you don' t feel good in your own skin this will affect your emotional wellbeing but there could be other factors. You said your mum has been diagnosed with depression so there could be a genetical factor for your condition.
Also learned behaviour patterns and negative thoughts can make it worse.
You should try, and i know you won' t feel like it, to get out, take exercise and meet people. Sometimes you really will have to force yourself.
Antidepressants can help even though I am not a great fan and they did not really help me but everyone is different. I would also recoment cognitive behaviour therapy and homeopathy which helped me a great deal.
It' s not said you will have to live with this all your life. It could just be an episode or a warning that you have to look at your life and see if there is anything that makes you unhappy.
take care !

Answer 3

Mental disorders can be genetic but most likely not. Usually it develops like it seems to have manifested in your case. Acne is not the end of the world. There are so many treatments for acne these days. The more you stay away from people the more depressed you will become. So come on now and get yourself out of this. Go see a doc for both acne and depression. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

Think about it this way - things could be a whole lot worse.

Answer 4

Is it Nature or is it Nurture? For me it was both. Both my parents suffer from Clinical depression, my half brother and sister don't and I'm praying my 5 year old never does. It is a horrible illness that I unfortunatley have found I will be on medication for life with. Believe me I have tried hoemeopathic remedies, diet, excercise 'anything' to avoid taking chemicals! Once I accepted this was part of me and just get on with life with anti-depressants I actually realised (so far) that I have had it since I was 14...(I am now 36). No one ever sees me as the quiet person only the life and soul etc etc...except now I am a bit of a recluse. If you can get any kind of counselling or psychotherapy I would reccomend it only because it can bring you back to the person you were and help you deal with the crappy issues of life.
Out of curiosity what are you on?

Answer 5

Some people may be genetically pre-disposed to despression (or other brain disorders), but there are likely psychologial and environmental factors that determine who gets it and who does not. For example, why one sibling and not another. There are interesting theories about this, but we don't have all the answers yet. The good news is there has been a great deal of research on the brain and brain disorders since the early 1990s, and scientists are learning more all the time. The more they learn, the more effective treatments and medication will be.

I know your illness can be can be discouraging. My husband and a few of my friends have depression. Sometimes they have depressive episodes, but most of the time they are able to control the illness with medication and therapy, and participate fully in life. (And enjoy life!) Therapy can help you identify triggers so you can better manage the illness.

If you are on medication, it may take several weeks to notice an improvement and you may have to try different medications to determine the best fit for you. Each person is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. If you think your medication is not working talk to your doctor and your family about it.

You can get more information on depression from NAMI and they might have a support group in your area. Talking to people who have been able to manage their depression, might be helpful to you. NAMI has support groups and education programs for people with "biological brain disorders" and their families. It helps if your family understands some of what you are going through, so that they can better support you.

Answer 6

Girl I know what you mean I have never had acne and got it at 23. I have been dealing with it every since I don't know where people get off saying that your not born with it. I know for a fact because my doctor told me depression and other mental problems such as that are genetic. So your only option is to get help from a doc ask for Zoloft that was the most amazinf meds I felt happy all the time and felt like life was good. But just as it started to work I found out I was allergic. so talk to your doc you'd be suprised how many people in the world are depressed.

Answer 7

No, you weren't born with it. See your doctor about your acne, and ask to be referred to a dermatologist. There are very good, effective treatments, and you WILL feel better when your skin is clear. Also, tell your doctor how you feel, and get on anti-depressants. I've had depression twice (for no reason at all) and have Rosacea, which looks very much like acne when it flares up. I have treatment for both, and am now much happier

Answer 8

Although researchers are currently studying the possibility of a "depression gene" within the human body, 99% of clinical depression is psychological, which infers that it can also be easily avoided.

Studies indicate that depression may be effectively treated with psychotherapy, medication, or electro convulsive shock therapy. A new school of thought, Positive Psychology, provides some evidence that the cultivation of positive emotions and interpersonal strengths may be effective.

In recent years, the use of antidepressant medication has increased dramatically, particularly in the United States. These medications influence the functioning of neurotransmitters in the brain. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are reported to have fewer side effects than the older drugs, which include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Some individuals will respond to one type of medication, but not another. All of these medications have side effects, and several SSRIs have been found to increase the risk of suicide attempts, particularly in children.

Certain types of psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), have been found helpful for depression. Research indicates that mild to moderate depression often can be treated successfully with either type of therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing how patients think of themselves and their experiences, focusing on their achievements rather than their failures. Although this type of therapy usually requires seeing a psychologist or counselor on a regular basis, research indicates that a free online program developed in Australia may be effective.

In addition, lifestyle changes may reduce depression, including nutrition, exercise, adequate rest and spiritual practice.

Electro convulsive shock therapy is used for severe depression that is not responsive to other treatments. ECT has been improved in recent years. A muscle relaxant is given before treatment, which is done under brief anesthesia. Electrodes are placed at specific locations on the head to deliver electrical impulses, causing a seizure within the brain that lasts about 30 seconds. The person receiving ECT does not consciously experience the electrical stimulus. Several sessions of ECT are typical, generally three times a week. [3] The major risk of ECT is that it may result in some permanent memory loss.

More than 80 percent of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment.

In addition to these treatments, a support system of family, friends or a support group may be effective.

Answer 9

You fear being rejected. I have this problem too, I have secluded my self as well, I did this because I feel I need time to heal wounds that I have. I don't think it is your acne that is the cause of your depression but a much deeper hurt. I cover the source of my pain sometimes even to myself. Noone knows that you are hurting and they may suspect family problems, maybe you should talk with a friend who in return can talk and answer questions to your other friends. Hope I could help, remember God heals wounds.


By the way pills don't heal wounds of the soul.

Answer 10

You feel miserable and sad.
You feel exhausted a lot of the time with no energy .
You feel as if even the smallest tasks are sometimes impossible.
You seldom enjoy the things that you used to enjoy-you may be off sex or food or may 'comfort eat' to excess.
You feel very anxious sometimes.

You don't want to see people or are scared to be left alone. Social activity may feel hard or impossible.

You find it difficult to think clearly.

You feel like a failure and/or feel guilty a lot of the time.

You feel a burden to others.

You sometimes feel that life isn't worth living.

You can see no future. There is a loss of hope. You feel all you've ever done is make mistakes and that's all that you ever will do.
You feel irritable or angry more than usual.

You feel you have no confidence.