Is Depression Heritary?

[Oilman2008]

I have discovered with my depression, my mother also suffers from it as well. Do I need to keep a close eye on my kids? If so what? 6 and 8 yrs old.

[xanweaner]

Good for you...it's great to hear that you're getting good results!!
Take care...

[Oilman2008]

Thanks xanweaner!

I am about 2 months in with Celexa 30mg and am almost where I need to be.

[xanweaner]

My psychiatrist says that it can be genetic, but that doesn't mean that your children will get that gene from you. Just like hair color, eye color, etc., it doesn't mean that it will definitely be passed down.
I wouldn't worry about this - just enjoy your children and know that we all have moods - it's all a part of life -  ups, downs, our biorythmns, etc. For every time there is a season...

You will definitely know a depression if you see one...and hopefully, your children will live long, happy, and healthy lives. All the best to you and your family!

[fuzzy882]

Hi
Growing up in my era, depression, panic, anxiety, was kind of a hidden disorder. I alway's kind of felt something was " not right with mom" but we just didnt talk about it. As the year's went by and both my sister and I were plagued with panic, anxiety and depression, then the doors started to open, Mom, her brother, grandma (moms mom) aunts. So I guess we joined the rank's of many before us.  I do keep an eye on my daughter (she's 29) , so far so good.

[Penguin_Buddha]

My father and his mother both had/have severe depression, similar to my own.  That makes me believe that severe depression could very well be genetic.

Good luck with your kids.  I agree with Kande and Hensley that you should try to conceal your own depression from your kids at least until they reach an older age.  I hope things work out.

[Kande]

Hi, I completely agree with Hensley! I don't have anything to add, except my mother had depression and my brother suffers with it also.From what my mother told me it was in her background, almost everyone in her family suffered with it. Hensley you should be proud of yourself, the way you keep control around your kids. I know that would be tough.