Is it irresponsible for me to have kids because I have depression?

Just being diagnosed with depression does NOT make it irresponsible to have children. Many wonderful parents also struggle with mental health issues. HOWEVER, if you are currently at a point with your depression where you are unable to care for yourself, a partner, a pet, a plant, and/or (most importantly) a child... you may want to spend a lot of time thinking about whether you are ready to have a child NOW. It might be best for you, and your child, if you wait until you have found a way to manage your depression - with therapy and/or time and/or medication. So, just having depression is in NO way going to make you a bad parent. However, if your depression is untreated and severe, then you may end up incapable of finding the energy and ability to care for yourself, and by extension, for your child. There are, of course, many resources and ways to learn how to manage your depression and lean on other people for support if you DO have a kid and your depression gets worse - Nothing is a blanket statement! My mother has struggled with Bipolar disorder my whole life (part of the time undiagnosed) and she's been an amazing parent for me - but there have been times where her mental illness has made her unavailable. I have had great support from her partner and she's been in therapy and on medication, which has helped tremendously.

Definitely not. I believe that children may even help with your depression. In my experience, depression can be caused by a lack of purpose. We thrive for purpose as humans, we want to be needed. And Children will give you exactly that.

On the contrary, children can cleanse our wounded souls and refresh our spirit. They are the light against the darkness of depression.

Depends on how sure you are of yourself. Children are the best creations and gifts of Almighty God. Holding a child close to yourself might assure you of the presence of God and fill you with faith in him. However, children shouldn't be seen as a way of getting over depression. you'll have to give it your best to protect them, nurture them, love them COMPLETELY. If you're ready to do it, then there's no doubt about how exceptional a parent you will be:) but if you are unsure about it, I think it's best to come back to it when you feel you are ready.

This is a hard one for me. I have kids and I suffer with depression. I always know my triggers after so many years. I know when to see my doctor and or to seek help. It does effect my kids so I am not going to lie there. But I do try to make it as minimal as possible by staying on top of knowing my triggers and taking action to minimize it. I also have two children who suffer with depression and come from a family where depression is prevalent. I do believe it is hereditary.

In general, it's my view that it is only irresponsible to have children if you cannot care for them and keep them safe but if you can keep them safe then I would say its okay.

No. You can still be a great parent. You just have to believe in yourself! Maybe you can spend extra family time together to help cope with the depression.

We cannot help what our mental ailments are. What we can help is how we handle them. The most responsible thing a parent with depression can do is actively seek treatment, and disclose their journey with their children, when they are old enough to understand, with honesty. Depression can be hereditary, and as the parent, it is up to you to be the example for your child(ren) of the process that comes with living with depression.

I would say your health goes first. It doesn't mean you'd be a bad parent, but depression would most likely interfere with your parenting abilities.

A lot of people really struggle with depression and live successful lives with children. I think it'd be a shame if you didn't, as long as the depression is under good care and management and isn't going to affect the child or make your life worse as a result of having a child.