Can Depression Run In Families?

Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. There are so many factors that can contribute to it, and some even stem from childhood. 

But, if you’re struggling with depression, have you ever wondered if it can run in the family? Are genetics to “blame” for your mental health? 

Yes and no. There’s not a clear indicator that depression is “inherited” by family members. However, there are some genetic markers that might make put you at a greater risk of developing depression than others. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the connections between genetics and depression, so you can have a better idea of whether your family is directly impacting your mental health. 

Depression and Your Genes

Multiple studies have shown that certain conditions - including depression - might be connected to specific genes. However, no one has been able to pin down a single gene that actually causes depression. 

With that in mind, it’s difficult to say that your depression comes from your parents, grandparents, etc. You can look at different sets of genes and compare the people in your family who had depression to those who didn’t. But, as of now, it’s impossible to know which sets of genes actually cause conditions like anxiety or depression. 

What you can determine, however, is that you’re probably more likely to experience depression (or anxiety) if it runs heavily in your family. There are certain gene combinations contributing to these conditions, even if research can’t tell you exactly what you are. 

Will You Absolutely Get Depression? 

Does that mean if your parents have depression you’ll also experience it? Absolutely not. There are plenty of people living in families where depression runs rampant, but they don’t experience it, themselves. 

Genetics is only part of the equation when it comes to depression. You also have to consider your environment and the situations you’ve been through in life. Can you be more susceptible to depression based on your genes? Sure. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically experience it. 

What Are the Warning Signs?

If you feel like depression runs in your family and you’re worried you might be susceptible to it, there are a few warning signs to look out for. 

One of the biggest warning signs of depression is a feeling of hopelessness. It’s normal to feel “down” sometimes, and even sad about things. But, when those feelings linger for long periods of time and you feel both helpless and hopeless, you might be dealing with depression. 

Another warning sign is isolation. People with depression often withdraw from loved ones, and tend to pull away from doing things they typically enjoy. Unfortunately, that can make your negative thoughts even worse. 

Finally, don’t ignore any physical signs you might be experiencing. Depression can sometimes cause a lack of energy, increased irritability, and changes in your eating and/or sleeping habits. 

What Can You Do? 

Again, don’t assume that just because depression runs in your family it means you’ll be diagnosed with the condition. However, it’s important to be vigilant. If depression does seem to be genetic in your family, be proactive about it. 

If you think you’re experiencing symptoms, the best thing you can do is reach out to a mental health professional. When you work with a therapist, you’ll be able to get to the underlying cause of your depression, whether it’s your family or other external factors. You’ll also learn the skills necessary to manage your symptoms and eventually overcome the depression. 

Whether depression runs in your family or not, you don’t have to deal with it forever. You can break the cycle right now by getting the help you deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about depression treatment or family therapy.