AMA - Depression in the Family
Hi everyone! My name is Adam (16) and I have chronic depression, passed down to me by my mom (57). We both struggle every day to lift each other up, but often, we encourage each other's bad habits. Most of the time, though, we manage to cope!
Ask us anything about our experiences together or apart. We'd love to clear the air about hereditary depression!
@CelloandMellow
It's very inspiring that you're both there for each other. Thank you for sharing this with us ❤ So my Q is: Do you have any tips for those struggling with depression on a daily basis? I think there are many here who would benefit from an answer to this Q.
I hope you're well 😊
Jem 💜
@Jem7Cups
Of course, Jem!
Depression is a daily battle, and if I've learned one thing, it's that everyone has their own style of coping. My mom, for one, has always been a hard worker. She dives deep into her job when she's having a bad week with her mental health and makes sure her prescription is up to date. Micromanagement queen!
I, on the other hand, tend to get introspective and meditate on it. I write, talk with friends, and try my best to keep putting myself out there.
One thing we both do is sing! We are theater kids at heart and sing all day long when we're extra down. Finding a hobby that makes your heart flutter is the best advice I can give. When you're in a better state and your meds are working, pick up a hobby that you never want to put down.
It's all up to you as a person, but the main thing is to draw your attention elsewhere. Chronic depression is, well, chronic. It doesn't go away with focus and confrontation. Accepting that and moving on is the best thing to do when you're stuck with a raincloud. Both my mom and I try to remind outselves of that.
- Adam
@CelloandMellow
I appreciate you sharing your journey with us. My question is: How did you find out its hereditary and do you think depression is commonly passed thru genes?
@Antoniette12
Hi there! Thank you so much for your question!
My entire mom's side struggles with depression and our prescriptions for antidepressants are pretty consistent with each other. From her initial diagnosis at age 20 to age 35, my mom took Zoloft, like I do now at 16. My grandma was prescribed Zoloft but refuses to take it - she's stubborn for sure.
Our severities also are similar; my mom and I both have high-functioning but severe diagnoses. We determined our symptoms and treatments to be similar, and therefore determined with our physicians that it was most likely genetic.
Although depression can be hereditary, it also comes from environment. My mom and I both felt like outcasts as young teenagers (albeit for different reasons), and that definitely contributed to our diagnosis. Additionally, we are both academically gifted, and our schooling style due to our "gifted" status had an effect, too.
Overall, it's nature v nurture! Both have an effect on us. One doesn't necessarily guide the other, and just because a family member has depression doesn't mean you will. My cousins and my aunt on my mom's side are neurotypical as far as depression goes.
Hope that answers your question!
- Adam
@CelloandMellow
Do you go to therapy? And I also thought I would ask is do you think anxiety goes with depression?
@generousYard2948
Hi, and yes, I'm currently in therapy! My mom and I both have different therapists that we like a lot.
Anxiety and depression are definitely linked. They can really feed into each other, and can make catastrophizing any situation very easy. Still, they can be overcome with medical and therapeutic intervention.
Every day I wake up is another battle I'm more than excited to fight with my depression and anxiety. Life is completely incredible to me because of them, even if I struggle.
@CelloandMellow- i am the eldest of five siblings- and we all struggle with mental health issues. my father has life long depression and anxiety plus ptsd. Had an enlightening conversation with my youngest brother yesterday- our emotional turmoil is so similar. At least it was helpful to realize we both fight the same demons.