Is Depression Genetic Or Environmental? Here’s The Answer 2024

Depression^[1] is a common mental health condition that affects your emotions and thoughts about yourself, the world, and others. Evidence shows that depression exists in teens to old aged people, but the question arises; Why do people develop depression? Is it genetic or due to environmental factors, or is it a combination of both factors? 

Are you likely to have depression if your mom or dad has it? Science says no. Even though some genes^[2] can make you more susceptible to major depressive disorders, the condition isn’t solely hereditary. 

But if depression is not genetic, what factors contribute to an individual showing depression symptoms? This article will strive to answer the question of whether depression is genetic or environmental, covering such important questions and topics as

• What is depression?
• Is depression hereditary?
• Is anxiety hereditary?
• Is depression genetic?
• Is there a depression gene?
• How the risk of depression relates to the family environment.
• Tips to avoid anxiety and depression.

What Is Depression?

Depression involves emotions. It affects your feelings, thoughts, and actions, negatively biasing them. Feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and helplessness generally characterize the condition. Depression symptoms vary depending on the person – the symptoms can be mild, short-lived, or long-lasting. 

However, in severe cases where someone experiences major depressive disorder, this can increase the risk of suicide. Thus in extreme cases, depression can prove to be fatal.

Depression Symptoms

The symptoms of depression do depend highly on each individual. It manifests differently in children, women, men, and older adults. This difference in manifestation of symptoms is mainly because of the physical and psychological differences we all have.

However, some of the most common symptoms^[3] of depression that most people suffering from this disorder experience are:

• An overall dull mood.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Difficulty in carrying out everyday tasks.
• Losing hope and interest in everything.
• Irregular eating patterns.
• Anxiety.
• Lack of or excess sleep.
• Continuous anxiousness or irritability.
• Isolating oneself.
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Not everyone with depression will experience all of these symptoms. Someone may experience just a few of these, while another may experience all these symptoms and more. For those falling into the latter description, this may be classified as major depressive disorder or MDD. 

For more information on this topic, check out our article on depression symptoms.

Studies^[4] are being done on twins (as they share genes) to understand if depression is hereditary. Scientists have been trying to research^[5] a link in our genes to the most common mental illnesses – generalized anxiety disorder is particularly focused on because of how widespread, common, and vast it is.

Is Anxiety Hereditary?

Anxiety is a mental health condition that involves persistent and intense worries and fears. The severity of anxiety symptoms differs between individuals, ranging from mild to severe. In severe cases, anxiety can interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. 

Anxiety disorders can take on many forms, such as social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. 

In the studies^[6] conducted so far, scientists have found that even though people in the same family are likely to get anxiety, it is not a common commodity. If your parents have anxiety, you have a 50-50 chance of having it.

According to evidence, environmental factors play a significant role in the development of anxiety, so, at this point, scientists can’t call anxiety a hereditary disease.

The Connection Between Genetics And Depression

You may still be wondering, can depression be genetic? Perhaps you’re also wondering about the difference between “hereditary” and “genetic.”

While the two concepts are related, they refer to different aspects of inheritance. Genetics is the study of genes, including their function, structure, and inheritance pattern. Hereditary, on the other hand, refers to the passing on of traits and characteristics from one generation to the next. 

Researchers worldwide are trying to identify the relationship between genetics and depression. And to this date, no one is yet to do so. 

However, patterns show that people with a family history of depression are at a higher risk of developing it. But people with no genetic background also frequently develop depression. Scientists have done studies^[7] to pinpoint a specific gene type that may trigger depression but haven’t produced any fruitful results. 

Is Postpartum Depression Genetic?

When considering genetics’s role in depression, it’s crucial to mention postpartum depression. Postpartum depression, or PDD refers to depressive symptoms women can develop after giving birth.

Studies^[8] have shown that the serotonin transporter gene – responsible for regulating our mood cycles in the brain – is linked to an increased susceptibility to developing PPD. This increased susceptibility is one of the significant pieces of evidence that somewhat links PPD to genetics.

Yet researchers cannot classify it as a hereditary disease as environmental factors also play a part in developing depression symptoms.

Is There A Depression Gene?

We now know we can link particular genes to anxiety and PPD, but does a depression gene exist in our genome?

Researchers studied 839 families with a history of depression. This historical 2011 study^[9] found that chromosome 3p25-26 was common across these family members.

However, scientists could still not hold the gene accountable as not all the participants had depression. They concluded that the genome contributes to around 40% of how likely someone is to develop depression symptoms. 

Family Environment And Depression Risk

Scientists cannot rule out genetics as a cause of depression. However, it’s not the only factor involved. As we know, the environment can also play a role. And, in particular, our family environment. How do we know this?

Evidence shows that people from abusive, broken, or chaotic family environments are most likely to develop depression.^[10] A home is a place where people are supposed to feel safe. Yet, for many people, this isn’t the case. For these individuals, home may make them feel uneasy, distant, and unsettled – this paves the way for the symptoms of depression to creep in.

A happy, nurturing, and supportive family environment is vital to reduce the risk of depression. But what else can help?

Tips To Avoid Depression And Anxiety

If you are suffering from depression or anxiety, or know someone who is, try the following to help yourself or others manage and reduce the impact of the conditions. 

Try Regular Exercise

Exercise pumps us up with hormones that help us relax and focus. This hormonal milieu combats the emotional side of depression symptoms. Aerobic exercise has proven^[11] the most effective in reducing MDD – positively impacting as many as 58% of patients.

Manage Your Stress

Stress is a major trigger for depression and anxiety both physiologically and environmentally. Stress causes your body to release a hormone called cortisol, which can cause high blood pressure and mood swings, among other distressing symptoms.

You cannot avoid stress, but meditation techniques can help you manage it. Deep breathing is also a powerful tool when it comes to relaxation.

Put Effort Into Interpersonal Relationships

Depression loves isolation – it makes people want to withdraw from others. Interpersonal relationships require work to keep them going, especially when experiencing depression, but good relationships have numerous benefits. 

Being surrounded by loved ones stimulates oxytocin release, the hormone responsible for feeling loved and connected with others. In this way, interpersonal relationships counteract depressive symptoms. 

Take A Break From Your Phone

While we often use our phones to communicate with others, ironically, using our phones can be one of the loneliest things to do in the world. Evidence demonstrates that using smartphones excessively can lead to mood difficulties,^[12] including depression. 

So, occasionally, go for a walk, keep away from negativity on social media, and go out and meet people. Taking these steps can reduce depressive symptoms. 

Stick To A Nutritious Diet

Your diet plays a significant role in your mood^[13] – research demonstrates this time and time again. Eating clean and nutritious food will likely trigger positive emotions, thoughts, and mood changes. Eating clean also helps reduce stress and boosts overall physical health. In addition, including nutrients such as essential fatty acids or omega-3s can have a positive impact^[14] on depression.

Reduce Alcohol, Caffeine, And Nicotine Consumption

Alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine all disrupt your hormonal balance. Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants that give rise to anxiety. They also disrupt your sleep. All these irregularities are not good for your overall mental health.

See A Therapist

If you think that you cannot manage your anxiety or depression at home, it’s best to seek professional health like a therapist before it worsens. A mental health professional can help you plan and manage your stress and symptoms. Moreover, in severe cases, they can prescribe alternative treatment options.

Check out our article on online therapy to find the right therapist for you. 

And if you want to know more about managing depression, you can find more information tips to avoid depression by following the link.

Conclusion

Researchers are still trying to answer the question, is depression hereditary or genetic? Even after finding specific markers, nurture still plays a significant role. Our upbringing and family environment can be primary causes of depression. A stable, supportive household with few (or no) traumatic experiences contributes to good mental health. 

Depression and anxiety can be challenging conditions to cope with. Luckily, there are steps people can take to manage their symptoms, such as finding healthy ways to cope with stress, prioritizing interpersonal relationships, and steering clear of excessive phone usage!

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