Is Depression Genetic?

Many people suffer from depression. But for some people, the mood disorder can be quite severe. It can affect their ability to socialize with others, hold down a job or even get out of bed in the morning.

Overcoming depression requires determining its cause. There are many things that can cause depression, and genetics is one.

This article will answer the question, is depression genetic, while examining other causes of depression and providing more information about the condition.

What is Depression?

We all know what depression is. After all, there are few if any of us who have not experienced blue moods that may sometimes seem to have no apparent cause.

But there are some people who experience depression more severely than others. These people may be depressed for long periods of time. They may not know what’s causing their depression.

The disorder can be so serious that it interferes with the person’s ability to interact with others, hold down a job or even get out of bed in the morning.

There are several types of depression. These include the following:

• Major Depression: People with major depression will feel depressed most of the time. The depressed mood will last two weeks or longer.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder: This type of depression will last two years or longer.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods of extreme highs and lows.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: This type of depression is brought on by the change of seasons and is more prevalent in the winter and fall.
• Postpartum Depression: This disorder is caused by the hormonal changes a woman experiences after giving birth.
• Situational Depression: This type of depression stems from a specific situation such as a death or divorce.

Is Depression Genetic?

The answer to ‘is depression genetic’ is, yes, definitely.

Depression can be inherited in many ways.

For one, it is believed that depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. The chemical makeup can be passed down through generations. So, if your mother and father suffer from depression, you might too.

Depression can also be inherited through the environment. For example, if one of your parents is depressed, it may cause an unpleasant home life that makes the child depressed. In some cases, the child may mimic the behavior of the parent becoming depressed themselves.

Signs of Depression

People may experience depression differently, but a few symptoms are common to most who are dealing with the disorder.

• A hopeless outlook
• A loss of interest in the things you once loved
• Increased fatigue and sleep issues
• Anxiety
• Irritability (this is especially common in men)
• Changes in weight and appetite
• Mood swings
• Suicidal thoughts
• Physical pain
• A withdrawal from society

Best Methods for Treating Depression

There are many methods for treating depression. These include the following:

• Medication: Medication can be used to alter brain chemistry and reduce the symptoms of depression.
• Therapy: A person may want to speak to a mental health specialist about their depression. The therapist will recommend steps for identifying unhealthy responses and changing thought processes. They may also suggest alternative therapies that help lift them out of their slump.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy: This type of therapy is recommended in more extreme cases. It involves the electrical stimulation of parts of the brain while the patient is anesthetized.
• Lifestyle Changes: Eating better, exercising, and getting enough sleep can reduce feelings of depression.

In some cases, rehab may be necessary. This is the case if the depression has caused the patient to form an addiction. Many people use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their issues, leading to dependency problems.

There are many rehab facilities out there, but Prevail Recovery is highly recommended. Prevail takes a dual diagnosis approach, simultaneously treating addiction and its underlying cause. We offer a variety of outpatient treatments so you can recover without taking time out from your everyday life. We follow up with aftercare ensuring you maintain sobriety.