Just Depression?

I've always been a little depressed, but I always just brushed it off, thinking I was just a pessimist. In the last 3 years or so it has become a lot worse. I'm 23 years old and I feel like I have never lived my life. At the same time sometimes I feel like I have gone as far as I possibly can with my life. I've had a suicidal thoughts here and there since I was 12, but like my depression, they have become much more frequent.

Lately I have been wondering if it is more than just depression. My father is an alcoholic, and I always suspected he had some form of Bi-Polar disorder. He very clearly has the ups and downs that are traditionally associated with Bi-Polar. The problem is I never have those "up" manic periods. The closest I ever get to that is when I think to myself "Don't worry, It will be OK. It's not that bad, just get out into the world."

I also sometimes feel as though I may have some kind of social anxiety. I haven't spoken to any of my friends in years, and I'm very reluctant to contact any of them. As it is right now, I really don't have any friends, and I feel very lonely.

Also, this may be a stupid question, but is mental illness genetic? My sister has had her share of struggles too, and my uncle killed himself when I was a baby. Is it possible that different kinds of mental illness can be inherited?

I realize this is a lot in one post, but I really just wanted to get as much as I can out at once. I apologize if it is too long or in the wrong forum. I debated about where to post this for a while, but decided Depression was the best place, because I feel that is the primary symptom.

Thanks to everyone who responds.

Hello ((((RedCylon)))) Welcome to PC.

Depression is a hard thing to live with and if you think that you are suffering from it you should see a doctor and have them help you. If you feel you are unable to talk about how you feel print out your thread and take to the doctor with you. Good luck.

I have done a lot of reseach during my 54 years and have spoken about this subject to many therapists. Depression and mental illness can most definitely be genetic. Several members of my father's family (many cousins) have serious mental illness. My father, my 2 brothers and I most certainly suffer from depression and my father along with one brother benefited from anti-depressants. I take anti-anxiety medication. The other brother refuses to get help and is very troubled.

You should speak to your doctor about how you feel and probably at least give therapy a try. I have been in and out of therapy for about 30 years and started at about your age. None of what I have said means you are likely to have any condition but it is worth looking into based on what you have said.

actually yes mental illness can be in fact genetic and can be passed down from generation to generation. its not the cause for every illness. but it most certainly plays a role. it sounds you may have a greater risk at inheriting these illness since it has been in the family.

i believe seeing a therapist or your doctor could help you greatly in order to correctly discern your specific condition. you could in fact be experiencing more than one illness. who know you might have minor bipolar and depression. i might be experiencing those two conditions myself and i wonder if those are even the right ones or if i have mistaken them for other illnesses. i have yet to discover what exactly it is i have. im thinking about saving up some money and going to a therapy session to see what it would be like. my one friend went to her first one yesterday and she said it gave her a new perspective on things and she felt it could really help her over time. i guess it takes more than one session but i say you should try it out. i believe i will too.

anywho im sorry about your family illnesses and i hope you feel better soon.

Thanks for responding. I might be going to a psychiatrist soon, even though I have no idea where I am getting money for it. I'm still wondering if it is possible to have bi-polar without the mania, but maybe I'll ask that in the Bi-polar forum.

Thanks again.