How To Prevent Depression When It Strongly Runs In The Family

Genetics remains a big factor in the development of depression. This is why clients who seek medical attention for depression are usually asked if they have any one in their family diagnosed and treated for depression or any mood disorder, for that matter. If the clients, to the best of their knowledge, reply in the affirmative, the doctor next tries to determine the treatments given and which worked best for them. The information can prove to be very useful to find the right treatment program for the depressed individuals.

Needless to say, even if depression strongly runs in the family, it doesn't mean that you will simply resign to your fate. Chances of depression developing are high, yes, but depression is not necessarily imminent for such individuals. Moreover, genetic predisposition to depression may also serve as a warning to take the necessary precautions.

How To Prevent Depression:

For people with a family history of depression, there is hope. Preventing the disorder is possible by:

• Taking essential vitamins, especially those of the B family.
  
  • Vitamin B1 or Thiamine improves memory and helps in controlling anxiety and depression. Depressed individuals suffering from fatigue, loss of appetite, and insomnia, may find an improvement in these symptoms by taking Vitamin B1.
  
  
  • Vitamin B3 or Niacin also works as an antidepressant. It's been used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Aside from boosting body metabolism, Vitamin B3 also reduces symptoms of depression, such as fatigue and memory loss.
  
  
  • Vitamin B5 or Pantothenic Acid lowers stress levels and helps relieve fatigue and depression.
  
  
  • Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxine is known for its role in the regulation of enzymes, but aside from that this B-vitamin is also found to improve mood and decrease anxiety and nervousness.
  
  
  • Vitamin B12 or Folic Acid is also an antidepressant.
  
  
  • Vitamin C stabilizes mood and reduces anxiety.
  
  
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids are essential fatty acids that are critical in brain development and brain health. Regular intake of Omega 3 Fatty Acids can prevent depression.
  
  
  • Iron is another element that needs to be in sufficient amounts to prevent depression.
  
  
  • Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc also help control some symptoms


• Employ stress management techniques. As stress can trigger depression, employing stress management techniques is going to be beneficial especially to people who have a familial history of depression. Among these techniques one has to learn are:
  
  
  • Proper management of time, money, and resources. A cluttered lifestyle adds to stress which triggers anxiety and depression. Fix your things, sort your wardrobe, get rid of stuff you no longer need. Even if multi-tasking these days is a must, you need to learn how to manage your time so that you will be able to do more things in less time without stressing yourself out. If money is the cause of your depression, learn to budget your money. You may need to make a few sacrifices which eventually will make you realize the value of money as well as the value of having peace of mind.
  
  
  • Exercise. Exercise comes with many benefits. Not only does it help one achieve physical well being but it also promotes a healthy mind. Exercising is one of the best ways to cope with stress. Try leisure walks after a hard day's work at the office to experience what I mean.
  
  
  • Meditation/Yoga. Yoga relaxes the mind and helps one deal with stress better. Yoga trains the mind such that one eventually works towards a healthier lifestyle which can prevent depression.

As you can see, you don't have to resign to the fact that depression runs in your family. If you take action now, you can keep depression from crippling you for the rest of your life.