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Hereditary Depression

by Linda
(Denver, Colorado)

My Father, Mother and brother all suffered from depression. In 1996 my Father and brother both comitted suicide and my Mom died from cancer that same year. I have been depressed and taking Paxil since all this happened.

Would it be correct in assuming that my depression is at least partially hereditary (genetic)?

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Heredity Depression
by: Rhasheeda Davis

Not all depression is caused by inherited factors, but some depression is caused by negative thinking.

There is a theory created by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, and her main question to both men and women were "What do you do when you start to feel depressed"? Most women answered: I try to figure out WHY i am depressed (this is called rumination)
Most men answered: I try to get my mind off of it and hit some golf balls(this is called distraction). This is mainly why it appears to be women who suffer from depression than men.

You could be depressed because you may THINK about all of time. Major losses can also be because of your depression.
Hope this helps!!! :)

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What Causes Depression
by: David

Hi Linda

The following information was provided by The National Institute of mental Health:

There is no single known cause of depression. Rather, it likely results from a combination of genetic, biochemical, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain. Brain-imaging technologies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have shown that the brains of people who have depression look different than those of people without depression. The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally. In addition, important neurotransmitters?chemicals that brain cells use to communicate?appear to be out of balance. But these images do not reveal why the depression has occurred.

Some types of depression tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, depression can occur in people without family histories of depression as well. Genetics research indicates that risk for depression results from the influence of multiple genes acting together with environmental or other factors.

In addition, trauma, loss of a loved one, a difficult relationship, or any stressful situation may trigger a depressive episode. Subsequent depressive episodes may occur with or without an obvious trigger.

More information on depression from The National Institute of mental Health is available on the website via the following links.

Depression

Depression Treatment

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