A
male
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:I'm not sure if this is a stupid Question to ask and if it's the right site to ask it on but I'm scared of becoming depressed.The tone in my house has gone down a notch since my sister has got herself into some trouble and has brought my mother Ito the situation also, this has left them both in depression like status and it just scares me because a friend of mine got depression just from being around his family.I've had a history of depression like phases enduced by my GAD(general anxiety disorder, percifically chronic anxiety) and I don't want to end up down that path again because it will destroy my relationships with friends since I'm prone to isolating myself from people...So am I more likely to "catch" depression off my family? Or am I just being stupid and crazy :S
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reader, anonymous, writes (9 December 2011): Its easy to slip into depression if your surrounded by negative people. I don't think you catch it as such, but the atmosphere around you brings you down.Before you get into the anxiety pattern again by worrying about them see that its their problems not yours,you cant support them when you are not able.
You have to step away, spend time with your positive friends, don't let others mind-set bring you down.
At least you recognise the symptoms and can act.
A
female
reader, tennisstar88  +, writes (9 December 2011):
 Anxiety and depression go hand in hand. But something has to trigger your depression. A break-up, too much stress, some sort of life changing event, death, etc.
You can't catch depression like it's a common cold.
If you find both your sister to be Debbie Downers then spend a little time apart from them. Keep up activities that make you happy and surround yourself with as much positivity as you can.
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A
female
reader, bluecow +, writes (9 December 2011):
 hiya
If you are surrounded by people who are depressed and your surrounded by family "drama" then yes you are more prone to depression.Your own mental health problems would make you even more prone.
Can I suggest that you phone your doctor/therapist and explain whats going on at home. Talk to them and put in place support now, BEFORE you start to suffer again.
You are in the unique position to be able to spot the problem before it becomes too much. You have had mental illness before, and so can recognise the signs before they overwhelm you.
Get that help and support in place now... and hopefully you wont need to use it, but know its there if you do.
HUGS x
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 December 2011): yes of course if you are surrounded by negative people you will feel like crap. And if you're surrounded by positive people, well you may or may not feel positive depending on whether you have other reasons to feel depressed. but it is easier to feel positive if you're also surrounded by positive people.
it's good that you're recognizing that this can happen so you can be proactive and take steps to minimize your risk of getting dragged down with them. You may need to spend more time taking care of yourself.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie + ♥, writes (9 December 2011):
 Yes up to a point, you are more likely to catch it (as you call it) but you are also more likely to see it before it escalate and hopefully get help.
http://lifeyourwayonline.com/is-depression-hereditary/
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