Ten to 20 percent of women and slightly fewer men have a chance of developing depression in their lifetimes, the World Health Organization estimates. Depression can occur in multiple generations in a family, and it sometimes shows up in those whose ancestors never experienced the illness. Regardless of the genetics, one depressed member can adversely affect an entire family. However, current treatment options offer real help and positive outcomes for individuals and families facing this illness.
Symptoms
All people have periodic feelings of sadness or disappointment over life issues. Depression, however, causes long-term feelings of sadness or hopelessness. You might lose interest in activities or hobbies you used to enjoy. Physical symptoms include generalized aches and pains, increased or decreased appetite, and digestive problems. Other common symptoms include fatigue, difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much. Depressed people often have difficulty concentrating or making decisions and may harbor thoughts of suicide.
Genetics
Clinical depression is actually a brain disorder caused by abnormalities in the levels of neurochemicals in the brain. Researches increasingly believe this imbalance of serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine is partially caused by an inherited or genetic disorder, according to the professionals at the University of Michigan. This may explain why depression seems to run in some families. Unfortunately, scientists also speculate that frequent, untreated depressive episodes might cause further brain damage or brain tissue degeneration because of the chemical imbalance. Appropriate treatment, however, might reverse these effects.
Environment
Stressful life events such as unemployment, financial worries and illness can trigger depression. The difficulty you face when dealing with a depressed family member might cause your own bout with clinical depression. This may explain why some families seem more prone to depression. Marital problems can bring on depressive episodes as well as impede recovery, according to the University of Michigan. Understandably, early life stressors such as physical or emotional abuse, parental neglect and abject poverty also trigger depression. Depressed people sometimes choose to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, which can trigger dependence, and that, in turn, worsens depression.
Treatment
The first step in treatment often includes a complete physical examination to rule out conditions that cause fatigue or other symptoms common to depression, such as thyroid disorder or hormone imbalances. Otherwise, successful treatment programs for depression typically involve a combination of medications and counseling with psychotherapists or other mental health professionals. Your doctor may try several different medications before finding one that works for you. Family members might require counseling or group therapy to learn how to support depressed spouses, children or parents without jeopardizing their own physical or emotional health.
Expert Insight
Chronic depression greatly increases an individual's risk for suicide. The experts at the Mayo Clinic warn family members to learn and stay alert for suicidal symptoms. Behaviors that might indicate suicidal tendencies include talking about suicide, a preoccupation with death, engaging in risky or self-destructive behaviors and giving away sentimental items in a manner that mimics settling a will. If you notice such behaviors, do not leave the person alone, and seek medical attention immediately.
