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Risk factor guide

Family history of depression: how it affects your risk

Many people with depression have a parent, brother or sister who has also had it, and many worry about passing it on. A family history does raise the chance, but depression is usually the result of several things coming together. This guide explains where family history fits, what else matters and where to get help.

Last checked: 2026-10-10

Key facts

At a glance.

  • More likely with a relative

    The NHS says if someone in your family, such as a parent, sister or brother, has had depression, it is more likely that you will also develop it.

  • Genes are part of the picture

    The NHS says it is thought that your chance of getting severe depression may be partly affected by the genes you inherit from your parents.

  • Not a certainty

    The NHS says depression is usually caused by a combination of triggers such as life events, so having a family history does not always mean that you will develop it.

  • No single cause

    The NHS says there is no single cause of depression and that different causes can combine to trigger it.

  • When to see a GP

    The NHS says to see a GP if you have symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks.

What a family history of depression means

When doctors talk about family history of depression, they mean having a close blood relative, such as a parent, brother or sister, who has been diagnosed with depression or has had it in the past. The NHS says that if this applies to you, it is more likely that you will also develop depression.

It stresses, however, that depression is usually caused by a combination of triggers rather than by one thing. Having a relative with depression is one of those factors. It makes depression more possible, not inevitable.

Genes, upbringing and life events

The NHS says it is thought that the chance of getting severe depression in particular may be partly affected by the genes you inherit from your parents. It also describes personality traits such as low self-esteem or being overly self-critical as making people more vulnerable, which may be because of inherited genes, early life experiences, or both.

This makes it hard to separate nature from nurture within families. A child may share genes with a parent with depression, but also grows up in the same household, experiences the same pressures and learns similar ways of coping. NHS inform lists negative childhood experiences such as neglect or abuse, and a way of thinking that dwells on negative events, among other things that can increase risk.

Other things that raise the risk

The NHS lists a wide range of other contributors. Stressful life events such as bereavement, divorce, illness, redundancy and job or money worries can cause depression in some people. It says these effects can combine, describing a downward spiral in which, for example, a relationship breakdown leads to low mood, withdrawing from friends and drinking more.

  • Pregnancy and giving birth, which can lead to antenatal or postnatal depression.

  • Menopause, particularly in the first few years.

  • Loneliness, caused by becoming cut off from family and friends.

  • Alcohol and drugs, including cannabis, which the NHS says can bring on depression particularly in teenagers.

  • Longstanding or life-threatening illness such as coronary heart disease, cancer or long-term pain, and head injuries.

  • An underactive thyroid, which can cause depression in some people.

Recognising depression

The NHS describes psychological symptoms including continuous low mood or sadness, feeling hopeless and helpless, low self-esteem, tearfulness, guilt, irritability, no motivation or interest in things, finding it hard to make decisions, feeling anxious, and having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself.

Physical symptoms can include moving or speaking more slowly, changes in appetite or weight, constipation, unexplained aches and pains, lack of energy, low sex drive and disturbed sleep. Social symptoms include avoiding friends, taking part in fewer activities, neglecting hobbies, and difficulties at home, work or in family life.

The NHS notes that depression can come on gradually, so it can be hard to notice something is wrong, and that it can sometimes take a friend or family member to suggest it. People who have seen depression in a parent may find it easier to recognise, or may be wary of recognising it in themselves.

Getting help and what treatment involves

The NHS says to see a GP if you have symptoms of depression for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks. Because a family history makes depression more likely, it is reasonable to mention it to the GP, so they can take it into account. Many NHS talking therapy services can also be accessed directly by self-referral for adults.

The NHS notes that postnatal depression, bipolar disorder, seasonal affective disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder are different types of depression or conditions in which depression may be a symptom, and are treated in ways appropriate to each. Postnatal depression, for example, is treated with talking therapies and antidepressant medicines in a similar way to other types of depression.

If you are in crisis

If you are having thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life, do not wait. The NHS says a mental health emergency should be treated as seriously as a physical emergency. Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone you know needs immediate help, or contact NHS 111. The Samaritans run a free 24-hour helpline.

Frequently asked

Questions people ask.

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.

  • If my mum had depression, will I?

    You are more likely to than someone without an affected relative, according to the NHS, but not certain to. The NHS says depression is usually caused by a combination of triggers, so family history does not always mean you will develop it.

  • Is depression genetic?

    Partly. The NHS says the chance of severe depression may be partly affected by inherited genes. Life events, personality, illness and social circumstances also play a role.

  • Can I reduce my risk if depression runs in my family?

    The sources used here do not describe a proven way to prevent depression. The NHS does point to factors that make it worse, such as loneliness, drinking too much alcohol and cutting yourself off from people, and getting help early if low mood persists.

  • Should I tell my GP about my family history?

    Yes, it is useful information. The NHS says to see a GP if you have symptoms for most of the day, every day, for more than 2 weeks, and mentioning family history helps them to assess your situation.

  • Can depression start after having a baby?

    The NHS says some women are particularly vulnerable to depression after pregnancy and describes postnatal depression, noting that sometimes depression starts before birth as antenatal depression.

  • Is depression just grief?

    The NHS says grief is a natural response to loss while depression is an illness. They share characteristics, but some symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, psychosis and feeling hopeless or guilt-ridden are rare with grief alone.

  • Can a physical illness cause depression?

    The NHS says you may have a higher risk if you have a longstanding or life-threatening illness, and that in some people an underactive thyroid can cause depression.

  • Where can I turn in an emergency?

    Call 999 or go to A&E for immediate help. The NHS also lists NHS 111 for urgent but non-emergency help, and the Samaritans free 24-hour helpline.

Where this comes from

Sources and checking.

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.

Published 2026-10-10, next review 2027-10-10.

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