Does depression run in your family? Let's be aware of this.

We often talk about diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure in our homes, don't we? We often hear things like, "My mother also had high blood pressure," "My father has diabetes," etc. But do we talk about mental health, especially depression, in the same way? Most of the time, no. But in fact, family history, that is, generational influences, can affect mental health as well as physical illnesses. That's what we're talking about today.

Shanti is someone who didn't think much about her mother's depression, even though it had been going on for decades. They treated it like just another normal illness. They thought, "Just take some medicine, and it's over." But over time, Shanti realized that she too was feeling something strange. It wasn't so bad that she couldn't get out of bed like her mother, but it felt like her life energy was being sapped. She realized that depression can affect everyone differently.

How does family history affect your risk?

Simply put, if your mother or father has had depression, your risk of developing depression is two to three times higher than someone without such a family history. Imagine, if one of your parents, as well as a grandparent, had the condition, the risk increases even more.

This is not just due to genes. The environment we grow up in also plays a big role. Growing up with a parent who suffers from depression can alter the way a child's brain and nervous system respond to stress. Perhaps certain events that happened at home when you were a child have been imprinted on your body and mind without you even realizing it. Therefore, family history is a combination of both genes and environment.

How do you know if there is depression in your family?

Many people in our society don't directly say, "I have depression." So to understand your risk, you have to look into it a little more carefully. This is not about blaming or labeling anyone. It's like looking into whether there is diabetes in the family and taking care of our own health.

This information can be a bit difficult to gather, but once you put the pieces of the puzzle together, you'll be able to make better decisions about your health.

How can you protect yourself from depression?

There's no reason to panic when you find out you're at high risk. In fact, it's not something that should defeat you, it's something that should empower you . That means you can now work with a plan.

First, do a little self-examination of yourself.

If you have these symptoms for more than two weeks in a row, it's time to take some care of your mental health.

• Is it too much sleep or too little?
• Is your appetite less than usual? Or is it much more?
• Do you feel tired, restless, or just not feeling anything all the time?
• Do you have difficulty focusing on something or starting and finishing a task?

What to do next?

You don't need to rush to get medication as soon as you notice these symptoms. Antidepressants are not like a vaccine that prevents depression before it even starts.

So what helps? Actually, it's the "normal things" we hear every day.

• Getting a good night's sleep: Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day.
• Nutritious diet: Eat a balanced diet.
• Good social relationships: Spend time with friends and family.
• Manage other illnesses: If you have conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or vitamin deficiencies, get them treated properly.

In addition, counseling is also very valuable. When we go through big life changes (such as losing a job, getting married, having a baby, or breaking up a relationship), our minds can become confused. A counselor can help you prepare for these situations. Short-term treatments like ``Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)`` can help you change the way you think and build mental strength. It's like 'strength training' for the mind.

You can write your own story.

Shanti, who we started talking to, is now very concerned about her mental health. At the same age as her mother's depression, Shanti has already been in counseling for years. She is now making different decisions for her health.

He knows that this is not something that can be changed overnight, and that it is something that needs to be worked on. Counseling, good friends, nutritious food, meditation, music, and walking have become part of his life. "Now, even just going for a walk makes me feel so relaxed," he says.

Finally, women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men. Also, this risk may increase during adolescence, perimenopause, and old age. Knowing your family history can help you get help early during these high-risk times. If you have any concerns or are feeling unwell, never suffer alone. Talk to your doctor right away.