Is Depression Hereditary?
There are many layers to sift through when it comes to depression. If you live with depression, you may ask yourself what you did to deserve this or why you have to live with it. You may even resent your parents for passing down the genes for depression. But wait–is depression actually hereditary?
The answer is not as straightforward as you may have thought. There are plenty of factors that combine to create “depression” in an individual. If you are wondering whether or not your depression will be passed down to your children or if your parents gave you your depression, then keep reading.
What is depression?
Depression is a mental health disorder that causes you to feel incredibly low or down. It can affect a person's thoughts and behaviors, although it does not always end at affecting emotional health. It can also impact your physical health.
There is no one cause of depression that professionals are aware of. It can be hereditary, yes, but it can also be caused by your environment. Sometimes, it can be caused by a horrific situation, such as witnessing a traumatizing event or the death of a loved one. Unfortunately, we do not have all the answers to definitively say whether or not depression is hereditary.
Recognizing and understanding depression
Depression is unique on a person-to-person basis. Everyone who lives with depression has it manifest in slightly different capacities. However, some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
Lack of interest in activities that once brought you joy
Sleeping too much or not sleeping at all
Change in appetite
Increased feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness
Physical symptoms like gastrointestinal issues
Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
Lack of energy or chronic exhaustion
Increased feelings of anxiety
When left untreated, your symptoms of depression will grow to affect your everyday life. If you have noticed an increase in any of these areas, please reach out to a doctor to discuss more fully.
Mitigating risk your risk of developing depression
If you're concerned about your risk of developing depression due to your family history, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are a few steps you can take to lower your risk of depression or cope with already existing conditions.
Build healthy habits: Being mentally happy does not just mean you only work on your mental and emotional health. Physical health is also incredibly important when it comes to overall health. Start laying the groundwork for healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. This will help you feel good physically which will also help your mind feel good.
Work on your support system: Building a strong support system of friends and family can be a helpful way to reduce your risk of depression. Your loved ones want you to be happy and healthy. They will support you in whatever capacity you need.
Talk to a doctor: Whether you are a parent who is concerned about passing depression onto your child or you are a child who is fearful of inheriting your parents' depression, talk to your doctor. They will have plenty of resources to help point you in the right direction to ensure you are taking the appropriate steps for the healthiest lifestyle possible.
If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, I highly encourage you to reach out to a professional. Depression is not something you have to go through alone. Together, you and a mental health specialist will be able to create a treatment plan to best suit your individual needs. I am happy to be this specialist for you. Reach out today to get started with depression treatment.