Passing Depression on to your children...
By Chewy25
@Chewy25 (2)
September 3, 2008 7:58am CST
My mother has suffered with depression for over 25 years now. She has been on medication all of this time. She has attempted suicide at least four times. I only found out the whole story about three years ago when a policeman came to the house asking for a photo of her as she was then a missing person. She has had a very tough life and i wonder if her depression came from the numerous events in her life or if some people are susceptible to certain types of depression.
I have suffered from depression in the past and wonder if it would have been different if my mother hadn't had it. Now of course i would never blame her for any such thing... the only reason i'm asking about this is if when i have children, are they then more likely to suffer with depression if i too were suffering at the time?I would really appreciate people's thoughts on this.
Thank you.
3 responses
@besthope44 (12123)
• India
8 Oct 10
Well even i was same, but later i realised crying over problems is not going to make any change. Rather, i decided to fight against problems and now i feel great.
@Ravenladyj (22902)
• United States
4 Sep 08
Though sadly many will disagree with this, I truly believe that depression CAN be passed on to ones children...Both my kids have suffered from depression BUT theyve also been through a lot in the short lives already HOWEVER I tink that if it werent for my life long severe depression and their fathers as well (he killed himself a few yrs ago actually) AND the high possiblity that my biological father suffered from it as well, maybe they wouldnt have had such major long lasting bouts with it...I definately think its passed on to our kids..Just like I'm a firm believer that addictions are also passed on to our children..
@snowy22315 (180399)
• United States
3 Sep 08
You may be predisposed to depression. That doesnt mean you will suffer for sure. Some depressions have a strong link with geneology like bipolar depression for one.
I would do all you can to keep your life full and interesting, and to be alert for any signs in yourself that you may have depression coming on. It's best to get treatment before it gets too severe.
