For a long time, scientists and mental health professionals have been debating whether or not depression is inherited. In other words, can you be predisposed to developing depression because of your genes? In this blog post, we’ll explore this topic in depth and try to provide a clear answer.
What is Depression?
Before we can dive into whether or not depression is inherited, it’s important to first understand what depression is. Depression is a mental health disorder that is characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and/or loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. People with depression may also experience changes in their eating and sleeping habits. Depression can range from mild to severe, and it can last for weeks, months, or even years if left untreated.
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of depression, including genetic predisposition, stressful life events, and brain chemistry. While it is not yet known exactly how these factors interact to cause depression, it is clear that they play a role in its development.
Is Depression Inherited?
The jury is still out on this one. Some studies suggest that people who have a family history of depression are more likely to develop the disorder themselves. However, it’s important to keep in mind that correlation does not equal causation. Just because two things are correlated does not mean that one causes the other. In other words, just because you have a family member with depression does not mean that you will definitely develop the disorder yourself. There are many other factors at play here.
It’s also worth noting that not all studies have found a link between family history and increased risk for depression. So, the jury is still out on this one. However, if you do have a family member with depression, it’s important to be aware of the potential increased risk so that you can be more vigilant about monitoring your own mental health.
Should You Seek Mental Health Treatment?
If you think you might be depressed, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you determine whether or not you actually have depression and, if so, they can create a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Remember, depression is a serious illness but it is also very treatable. With the right help, you can start feeling better soon.
What Happens in Depression Treament?
Depression treatment usually involves a combination of medication and therapy. The type of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of your depression and your individual response to medication. Commonly prescribed antidepressants include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Antidepressants work by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that is thought to be the cause of depression. It can take several weeks for antidepressants to begin working. It is important to continue taking them even if you do not feel better right away.
In addition to medication, therapy can also be an effective treatment for depression. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can help you change the negative thinking patterns that contribute to your depression. CBT can be conducted individually or in a group setting.
Help is Only a Phone Call Away
There is no clear answer as to whether or not depression is inherited. Some studies suggest that there may be a correlation between family history and the development of the disorder but more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. If you think you might be depressed, the most important thing you can do is seek professional help. A mental health professional can help you get on the road to recovery and start feeling like yourself again.
Mental health issues can be treated. People can move on with their lives. Call 5 Palms today at 1.844.675.1022 to find the help you need.
