Discussion Is anyone scared that they might pass on their depressive genes to their children?

[Soulless_Angel]

He killed a hamster? That alone sounds like psychopathy, not to mention the other things you listed are common for people with APD. As a member of our society and most importantly as a parent, you really need to get him to a psychiatrist like right now. (if he's not already seeing one)

APD? CAMHS which is the UK version of mental health help for children and adolescents, ain't interested! so seeking help in other forms, but only at the very start of that path

 

[L-L]

APD? CAMHS which is the UK version of mental health help for children and adolescents, ain't interested! so seeking help in other forms, but only at the very start of that path

I never realised you were from the UK, Soulless. CAMHS are shocking - I usually end up in touch with them because of my line of work. It could be worth looking into more specialist help with a dedicated Psychiatry team or another organisation. I know CAMHS is the most common one but it isn't the only one.

 

[noctiva]

That is a well known and real possibility to happen, which is why I'm strongly considering if I would have kids. With my partner, yes. He had the ability to make my depression disappear, with no trace at all. But I've only ever met one person who had that skill in my life, so anybody else? Hell no.

Brain differences detected in children with depressed parents - Neuroscience News

The right putamen, a brain area linked to reward, motivation, and feelings of pleasure, is smaller in children with a genetic risk factor for depression. Previous studies implicated reduced putamen volume with anhedonia, which is often associated with depression, suicidal behaviors, and psychosis.

neurosciencenews.com

 

[Life sucks]

There are many problems, what is a "good life"? I think depression is just one of many problems. On the other hand, lets assume "good life" can happen to children, it can happen even if you are depressed, lets assume some intelligent children came and they understand their mother depression and help her. But that's all probabilistic stuff (good or bad) that one has absolutely no control over. But I won't talk here about the "inherent bads" in life and will just say that partial good/bad can be very probabilistic and gambling-like.

In my experience also, I think depression can be both inheritance and circumstances. Also, I think its something "triggered", so people imo are prone to depression and its not only genetic. If bad genetic and bad circumstances are mixed, then the probability will be higher (although some might still not be triggered). I don't know, its like a random function. I know why I got my depression (many stuff like childhood abuse and bullying then shifting places and many more then being fragile while having those depressing genes and many more stuff) but can't say about others, some people don't have any problem genetically or any circumstances but still get depressed, so its like a probability and none can be so sure about it.

 

[Societal_Failure]

most males here will never spread their genes myself included.

 

[Return2Dust]

I never would've had children if I had known 1) I had a mental illness and 2) it was genetic. I had children at a young age. It wasn't until my daughter was diagnosed at 12 that I realized I had the same thing. Trying to save your child from suicide while planning your own is a surreal experience. She does not plan to have children, btw.

 

[Mikan3]

Yeah, I'm terrified of this
I feel like I inherited every negative personality trait of my parents, with none of the good things

 

[RealLostSoul]

same dawg. one of my biggest wishes in living a happy life would be to become a father. i know, i will never be but lets hypothetically think about it. i do fear that my negative traits that ruined my life would pass down. that is why i subconsciously fell in love with a girl (obviously not mutual) that is the total opposite (for example optimistic and happy). i will not repeat the mistake of my life. i would give everything for my kids to live a happy life and never go through hell like i did.