Maybe your mother was diagnosed with depression, or you remember stories about your grandparents struggling with their mental health. You might have wondered what’s next for you. Is depression hereditary and, therefore, something you should be worried about? In all situations, if you believe you are struggling, Ethan Crossing’s depression treatment program in OH can provide you with the help you need. At Ethan Crossing Recovery, we want you to be proactive.
Table of Contents
Is Depression Hereditary or Not? How Do You Know?
The most common type of depression is called major depressive disorder. Many people will experience bouts of depression or times in their lives when they feel sad and overwhelmed. They may even feel unable to get through the current situation. That’s not always clinical depression.
If you have true clinical depression, though, it is possible that it will be hereditary. While this is not always the case, there is some research to indicate that a person who has a close relative with this form of depression may be at a heightened risk of experiencing it themselves.
It’s unknown if there is a specific depression gene that is passed down. However, the condition seems to be passed down from one generation to another. Some studies seem to pinpoint that there are genes that could be shared by people who have the same form of depression.
Growing Up with Depression Puts You at Risk
When you ask, “Is depression hereditary?” you may be talking about a specific gene or genetic makeup. However, what you may not realize is that if you grow up in a home where depression is present and not treated or managed, that could put you at a bigger risk for experiencing it yourself. A child who watches a parent struggle with depression learns that this is the normal behavior when situations are difficult.
For example, if a child sees a parent that deals with stress by using drugs or alcohol, they may become tolerant of that behavior. Later in life, they may do the same thing because it seems normal and accepted. The same applies to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Does That Mean You Can’t Overcome It?
Even if there is a genetic marker that determines if a person has depression or not, what is most important is what is done when this mental health issue becomes obvious. Just because you are at higher risk for developing clinical depression does not mean you have to struggle with its effects or symptoms. You can learn to work through it and overcome what you are feeling. The key is to know that there is help available to you at every stage of this disease from a mental health treatment program.
When Should You Consider a Depression Treatment Program in OH?
For those who may have depression, the first step is to come into Ethan Crossing for a consultation. Let us provide you with an assessment and help you learn if you are experiencing depression or another type of mental health disorder. If that is the case, we can offer treatment and solutions for you. Our depression treatment program in OH offers options to help you heal, including:
- Individual therapy programs
- Full mental health treatment
- Group therapy programs
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Residential treatment programs
Put Your Future First with Support from Ethan Crossing
If you are asking “Is depression hereditary?” you may already have some of the signs yourself. If that is the case, there is no better time to reach out for help than right now. Our depression treatment program in OH can provide exceptional resources and support for you at any stage. Call Ethan Crossing at 833.691.0736 to learn more.