Does Mental Illness Run in Your Family?

@liz223 Thanks for sharing your story. I'm truly sorry to hear what you have been through. I too have suffered with depression, as has my husband, and my family has a history of mental health issues so I understand where you are coming from. It always amazes me though that those who have been through some of the worst things in life, are often times the most positive people you'll ever meet. My mom is one of those. She's faced so many traumas and deaths but through it all has remained a strong, positive and faithful woman. I admire that about her and it sounds like you are the same way!

I'm tagging @johnwburns, @dawn_giacabazi, @daisydextermom, @wife1, @towanda, @catw1101, @ejean and @oplifetrials who all have experience with depression and may want to share some of their history.

You seem to have maintained such a positive spirit. Can I ask what helps you combat the depression?

I am so sorry. Sometimes we can't help who the history of the family we're marrying in to. I feel for you. fel free to contact me by private message if you'd like to talk.

Hi @callalily. Thanks for your support and openness! I just wanted to let you know that I've removed your phone number from your post because, for your safety, we don't encourage the sharing of that kind of information so publicly. However, if you'd like to private message @liz223 (if you right click on her name, you'll see a mail icon pop up that if clicked takes you to a message box), you can certainly share that info there.

Thanks for your reply. To combat depression, I need challenges, something new to learn or do. I have taken on many hobbies and enjoyed them. I am 84 now, but still like to learn. I really like the computer and do the website for our church. I also do our email prayer requests and nothing makes me feel better than talking with God and praying for others. I love how God loves us and works in our lives. He is our friend, our healer, our wisdom and so much more. I love to attend bible studies and to read spiritual books written by strong men and women of God. Following God is exciting to me.

My emotional history comes through my mother's side of my family. I only know as far back as my grandfather, who shot my grandmother and then himself. You have to be in a lot of pain to do something of this sort.

Too bad we can't rewrite history-that is some background and I laud you for handling it. I don't handle my issues well enough, despite the meds, therapy, and peer groups. I just wish the pain would stop. I function, but it's a strugle and I'm always feeling sad and anxious.

The depressions I've had have all been stress induced. What can lower the threshold is lowering my thyroid dose (I've had a few doctors mess with it) or not getting enough sleep. What helps are staying busy, staying active mentally and physically and watching my dog innocently enjoy life.

@liz223 You are blessed to have Jesus in your life. Anyone recovering from any illness or addiction basically follows the ten steps to recovery. It is even better to accept Christ as your Savior who died on the cross for our sins so we might have eternal life. Believe that He is here to help us in times of trial but because of original sin He will not let you out of situations that you have control of or caused yourself. Depression I find is very tough because people, even born agains, believe that the Bibles says to follow Him and pretty much excess drink or mental illness is wrong. True Christians serve the Lord, not just from fear, or to gain favor but out of sheer love and gratitude.
I meet half way because especially in depression that can be proven inherited it is a life long struggle to overcome. With anti depressants, continued therapy and God;'s love for me is what keeps me going.

I can understand stress bringing on your depression. It can do it, and you're right, getting our sleep is important, as well as eating well and exercising. All of us need a pet. They offer unconditional love, make us be responsible to something instead of brooding over ourselves and bring so much joy. I have a dog, a kitty and 2 parrots. Walking my dog first thing in the morning gets me off to a good start. We both enjoy so much.

I believe emotional illness is like other illnesses. We take medication for diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, etc., why not depression or anxiety? I don't take much medicine for anything, but not because I believe it is wrong, I just don't like the side effects. I have found other ways to deal with my illness and while they help me, they might not work for everyone. I don't believe my depression will ever totally disappear, but I try not to dwell on it. If I stay busy and try to be helpful to others, I feel much better, even filled with joy and contentment often. When I can find a new challenge, project or a new book to read, I'm good for awhile. Boredom is not good for me, spend too much time thinking negative thoughts. BTW, I don't believe God sees mental illness as wrong, I simply think he would be pleased if we could turn it loose. There is nothing we can do about the past, we don't know how much time we have in the future, but we do have this moment to be thankful for. I have come to realize that happiness is very short lived. I desire peace over all things, and this God freely gives to us.