Is Depression hereditary?

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  1. leni sands profile image67
    leni sandsposted 10 years ago

    Is Depression hereditary?

    I have just been diagnosed with depression, I also have anxiety and panic attacks, I think I have been fighting it for years.  My mother used to have depression  and I just wondered if it were hereditary?

  2. profile image0
    Ronnytronposted 10 years ago

    I don't think so. Why don't you try meditation, it's the best way to fight depression, and it works!
    Also, read the hub by Amazing Thinker--"how to improve your life." It has some effective methods. It's pretty good.

    1. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for pointing me in the direction of a hub - I will look at that hub.

  3. CraftytotheCore profile image75
    CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years ago

    Yes, most definitely, there is evidence that depression and anxiety are hereditary. 

    However, having said that, today there are a lot of doctors pushing the anxiety diagnosis on patients that truly do not have depression and anxiety.  I was a victim of this over the spring.  I suffered from abdomen pain and high blood pressure before a specific test showed that my gallbladder was diseased.  All along the doctors tried to say all the pain I was in was self-inflicted stress.  After surgery, I made sure to tell each one of those doctors that they are providing a dis-service to people who really have actual medical conditions by passing everyone off as stressed in today's world.

    I hope with your diagnosis, they have provided insightful resources as well such as therapy and holistic natural alternatives to medicines as well as any medicines that are needed to help.  Everyone is different.  Part of the healing process comes with acceptance.  Be well friend.

    1. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your answer  I don't think it is gallbladder - I am getting a lot of support.  I am off work with stress so that is definitely the onset of it all - my stress has been building over two or three years.

    2. CraftytotheCore profile image75
      CraftytotheCoreposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Hi sweet Leni!  I believe what you are saying is real and I do believe it is hereditary.  I didn't mean to imply that you weren't diagnosed correctly.  I meant that sometimes drs quickly pass off actual medical problems with anxiety.  Take care smile

  4. Cardisa profile image87
    Cardisaposted 10 years ago

    The studies about depression and it's cause are not conclusive though researchers strongly believe that genes play a role. Genetics alone is not a determining factor. There must be other elements such as stress in order for you to develop depression. As we all know depression does not occur overnight; it is rather a progressive disease.

    Anxiety and depression, though sometimes go hand in hand, are two different disorders. When anxiety is diagnosed along with depression you need to find the root cause of it. Usually after finding what makes you anxious and panicky you will find your cause for your depressed state of mind.

    I also suffered depression and what worked for me was exercise. Physical activity increases endorphin which automatically decreases cortisol (stress hormone). Endorphin gives you a sense of well-being and euphoria. It is known to be the best way to fight stress.

    1. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You are right in the deduction that something else has been the trigger - definitely stress, I am keeping very busy - my house has never been so clean though I worry about going out and meeting people who will ask me how I am...

    2. Cardisa profile image87
      Cardisaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Leni, you need to talk to someone who can help. Not many people can bring themselves out of depression without support. Start jogging or walking. Get some fresh air and tell yourself and others that you are great. Email me if you need support.

    3. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Cardisa  - I am talking things over with my doctor and starting therapy ...

  5. Steve Burgess profile image55
    Steve Burgessposted 10 years ago

    I feel sometimes it is hereditary but sometimes it is behind us only due to being tensed or thinks. The best way to come out of depression is meditation only.
    Go and try, you will be very relaxed.

    1. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you I will give it a try.

  6. daydreamer13 profile image62
    daydreamer13posted 10 years ago

    I think people are products of their environnment. If you are exposed to depression, it could be you simply pick up bad habits. I've read that some have done research to prove a connection between parents and children, but I'm not convinced it is hereditary. Eigther way, it is a serious condition and should be taken seriously. Meditation is best. I know doctors want to jump to medication quickly, but I believe that should be used only as a last option. Also, be in the sunlight as much as possible and in nature. Remember to find something to smile about every day. Everyone is important and every life touches so many others even when they are unaware.

    1. Cardisa profile image87
      Cardisaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      As someone who had suffered for years, I don't agree that you can "pick up depression as a habit". It doesn't work that way. Depression is a mental illness which is triggered by different life changing elements such as stress, grief, trauma etc..

    2. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I have worried for years about going down the same path as my mother - I have fought it every step of the way unfortunately I have had a particularly stressful time at work over last two or three years and let my guard slip.  Stress triggered it.

  7. duffsmom profile image60
    duffsmomposted 10 years ago

    Depression can be and is often caused by brain chemistry.  That can be hereditary.  Of course there is situational depression caused by things that happen to us, death or loss of a loved one, divorce, work etc.  But when your life is doing well, and you still feel depressed, brain chemistry rears its ugly head and yes you do see it in families.

    1. leni sands profile image67
      leni sandsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Life is pretty tough at the moment, work became very stressful and 'Dad's dementia is getting worse, and I have never felt so tired...but it got me thinking about my mum - she has had depression for as long as I can remember - it made me wonder....

 
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