i knew about the genetics part.... depression runs in my family like i'm sure alot of others too.... but my "non-depressed" family members know about that too but still tell me often to just cheer up. some people i guess will never get it no matter how many facts you show them.
i've also had many "serious negative life events".... deaths in family etc..... but my depression began well before any of them. though these events definitely didnt help the situation. but it does seem a little extreme to say 3 episodes and automatically meds for life. kind of like 3 strikes you're out.