Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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deleted_user 03/28/2007

Since I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I look at my family history of depression and mental illness it is scary. My maternal grandmother was depressed and diagnoised as paranoid schizophrenic in the early 1960's. She was sent to an instution and given shock therapy after that she was able to funtion if she staid on her meds. My father sufferd from depression for as long as I can remember I actually think he was undiagnosed bipolar. He self medicated with presciption strenth pain killers for years. In his sixtys he became delusional and psychotic. My mother also struggles with depression. So it looks like I got the doulbe whammy when it comes to genetics and mental illness. Does anyone else get scared for your future mental health when it comes to your genetics?

deleted_user 03/28/2007

Totally! My mom was diagnosed with depression and paranoia or something like that. Also, my mom's side of the family (without knowing it probably) have dealt with depression. I think my dad has had depression (dysthimia)too for a long time. My boyfriend's brother has cyclothemic depression (or something like that) so I do worry and it scares me. Not so much for myself. I already have it and have to deal with it, but it freaks me out when I think about my kids. Sometimes I think about adoption.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

I don't have kids yet, but I've always wanted to have children.

BeckyK 03/28/2007

I am scared about this! My Mother was dx with Clinical Depression, and eventually committed suicide after years of self medicating with prescription pain meds. The year my Mother committed suicide there were 8 other suicides in the family. My uncle has some sort of mental illness, don't know what it is but.. My sister is a sociopath, says she is bipolar. I don't know. Basically my whole maternal side of the family has some sort of mental illness. There was so much physical abuse in the family that may have something to do with it. Luckily I grew up with my Dad and Step-mom since I was 5 so I was able to break the cycle. Although I do suffer with depression, I don't think it is as bad as my Mother's.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

I think Becky has a great point! Eventhough genetics play a role in depression, other things like environment (and medication Thank God!) can help. That;s something we might all know, but I am just glad Becku brought it up again... made me feel better.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

Not so much for me but for my kids. My daughters father also had depression. My sons father wont go for an assesment but he has wicked mood swings and takes them out on me.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

My mother and grandmother also have suffered from depression. Sometimes it does scare me because what is gonna happen to my kids?

deleted_user 03/28/2007

both of my sisters and my father have had clinical depression. As for the rest of my family I don't know? Although, I do know that all of them have gotten through it. It gives me some hope, but it scares me...what if I have children and they have to feel this too?

deleted_user 03/28/2007

yeah

deleted_user 03/28/2007

Yeah! It runs in both sides of my family to. I have already passed it to my kids. My oldest refuses to get treatment and my youngest is on meds.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

I too worry if I have passed it on to my kids. They are both in their mid twentys and currently doing well. My daughter actually has a degree in psychology LOL. She works with troubled teens. She jokes with me and says with their family her and her brother don't have a chance. LOL
Even with meds I just worry that one day I will totally lose it. People will call me the crazy cat lady. LOL I just keep taking my meds and hoping for the best.
My husband says I've already lost it LOL

deleted_user 03/28/2007

Yeah, genetics scares me. I just recently talked with my boyfriend about how I don't want to have kids because I would not want my children to even have a chance of becoming depressed, genetically at least. Tough descision though.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

When I grow up I want to be the crazy cat lady.......just without the smell lmao.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

I am really concerned abouy genetics.I have 3 grown children all married and doing well,thank god.Just hoping it stays that way.

deleted_user 03/28/2007

Good question. I hadn't thought about it until I saw your post. It runs in my family, too. Am I worried about it? No. I know that being educated as much as possible about mental illnesses, and mine in particular, is a very powerful tool. Knowing what to expect, what resources to use, and what coping skills to employ, should the need arise, frees my mind to focus on the present. Hope that helps. : )

deleted_user 03/28/2007

The genetics don't scare me so much, but I am curious about it. No one else in my family is getting treatment, but there is a lot of self-medication with alcohol. I wish I knew what the real issues are beneath the alcohol. I think they all think I'm crazy. That's okay.

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