Is Depression/Anxiety Inherited?

[blondguy]

Hi Everyone

I have had severe anxiety for 25 years and and depression for 15 years. My anxiety has gone through calm and true acceptance but the depression is still with me and I now understand it may be with me for life. I have read some posts on the BB Forums that it may be hereditary.

Even though at this late stage of my illness I would like to hear people's thoughts on if they think that their depression/anxiety has come from their parents or grandparents. Please share your thoughts.

Kind Thoughts

Paul

[blondguy]

Hey Elizabeth When I started this post it was actually meant to help those that are worried about mental illness being hereditary...(refer my initial topic post).

"worrying about our risk based on family history is problematic" I also think it can be counter productive to the healing process to concentrate on the past and the 'why' instead of the 'now'.Cheers

[pvroom]

In my case, I'm anxious because of the way I was brought up. So while I'm not sure about the genetic component of it being inherited (possible I think), I think it's mostly environmental but it was my mum who did this, so I guess in some ways you could still consider that inherited!

[blondguy]

Thankyou pvroom..Its an interesting topic and I do agree with you that environmental/upbringing can make or break us in later life. Kind Thoughts.....Paul

[Lisamarieod]

Hi Paul. It's been a while since you're post but I'm wondering if your still reading replies. Anyway I'm 5th generation with mental health issues. It's gone through the family and now after suffering myself for many years, my 2 children suffer from issues now too. 

Let's just say I feel to blame Alot. It's extremely hard going but I'm resilient and my kids are too. 

[Lisamarieod]

Thanks for sharing. It's nice to know your doing ok.

[Lisamarieod]

Lovely words.

[geoff]

Hello Paul and everyone, personally I do believe that depression and/or anxiety can be handed down by hereditary, the trouble is that our parents/grandparents were able to hide it, probably better than people do in today's society, because they had to go through 'The Depression/Wars' and experienced great hardship.

If the parents are unable to hide it, then the kids learn from it through all the experience/s they had to suffer from.

Geoff.

Life Member.