Does depression run in families?

As others have said, depression and other mental illnesses do run in families. My father was depressive and took anti depressants for many years. My mother and father were both very anxious. Now, I am very anxious, my sisters are both on antidepressants and anxiety meds, my brother is on anxiety meds, and my sister's 9 year old was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. My older nephew is on anti depressants. It unfortunately seems to be passed down although not every member of a family will be affected by it. I think it would be wise to have your daughter talk to someone or for you to talk to someone about the mood swings because, although it could just be hormones, you don't want her to do anything that may harm her if she, too, has the same illness as your sister. It stinks but I am watching my own kids very closely for signs of both depression and anxiety. Luckily, my husband's side had none that I know of so they have a chance to avoid the anxiety I have and the depression everyone in my family has. Good luck.

I honestly think that genetics can play a role in depression. My dads brother has it, I have it and now my 4 year old nephew is showing the signs of having depression and anxiety problems as well.

Yes. Having a close relative who has suffered from a depressive disorder, especially Bipolar Disorder, increases the likelihood of developing depression.

Yes -- and so does manic depression (a.k.a. bipolar disorder). If your daughter acts depressed -- with mood swings, etc. -- you probably should get her into counseling. If she threatens to kill herself, or to hurt herself, you should always take it seriously. You should try to remain calm & rational, but you need to get her help.

Depression is known to run in families. There is the same chemical imbalance in the genes, some do not show signs of depression, some do! Hopefully your daughter is just doing her own thing and not acting like your sister did.

yes, depression can run in the family, just like any other illness.

i think so. it is somehow depending on genes. And not all the times that it runs in family. Its not that if a person is suferring from depression, any of its family member must be suffering also.

I think depression runs in families, as all conditions of this kind is passed through, it may not be every generation, but some where down the line it will show up again. If your daughter is showing signs I think it is a good idea to seek help now before it gets really bad.

Yes, depression runs in families. It runs in my family. My Grandfather, one of my aunts, and me that I know of in my generation have it. I watch my wee ones carefully. I'm pretty sure it runs in my husband's family too. Unfortunately, his family's motto is oh he'll get over it.... Best Wishes

It runs in my family too. I don't however think it is hereditary at all. my mum suffers depression, but over different life challenges to mine. So the depressions in the family cannot be linked in my view anyway.

Well, sometimes its unavoidable that we feel depressed for the day..but for the health its not a good side, i believe in Meditation which will balance our mind and helps to be normal at situations.