Dear Lynn
I agree with the other posters that it does not have to be hereditary. I had depression for 4 years at least, of which 2 years quite bad, starting when I was 17. It does run in my family but not everyone is 'affected' and when they are it's in different varieties. My brother had it for about a year when he was 24. My mother has had it about 3 times in her life. After a lot of searching she's found out she is lacking a chemical in her brain and that makes her feel depressed. Fortunately I haven't that problem so much allthough I watch what I eat to make sure my sugarlevel stays balanced, which in turn effects my serotonin levels etc which effect how one feels. There are several family members on my fathers side who have had either depression or anxieties. Anyway, long story short: don't feel bad because you don't (feel bad)! that would be ridiculous. Rejoice in your life and bless you
