Depression

[della_anne]

Hi,

I live with parents who I think in my opinion are depressed. Is it possible to become depressed as a result of hanging around depressed parents? I find myself having negative feelings about my own life and situation, part of that may be because I am unemployed right now, but is this also caused by my parents. I always hear them talk about how bad the world is out there and how we, their children can't take care of ourselves or do anything good. They think they still have some control over my life. Maybe that's just normal I dunno. But I do know that I have to get away from their influence on me.



Danielle

[ATLWill]

Personally, I think that depression is caused by your perception of how your life is going.

So yes, hanging around people that bring you down could cause depression.

Grab your parents and go do things together. Take them out for dinner in China Town, go to the Lincoln Park Zoo, a Cubs or White Sox game, or explore an unknown neighborhood in the city.

[wordsmith]

Negative outlooks are most assuredly contagious.

[Adam Strange]

Depression is not contagious, but wordsmith is right that negative outlooks certainly are. If spend enough time with them and are constantly shown the world through their eyes, that’s going to effect your outlook.

[sparky88]

Hello,

Whether you are living with parents, roomates, or a significant other I believe their attitudes CAN and WILL effect you (unless you can block them out).

It can influence your attitude, career, relationships, dreams, self-esteem, everything.

If you find they are really affecting you maybe you can find a few roomates to keep costs down.

THEN, once you have removed yourself from the situation--you can try taking them out- doing nice things with them- helping them have fun and find HOPE in their lives.

My 2 cents.

[29 forever]

Yeah, being around negative people doesn't help. I used to be emo & part of that scene, etc. It wasn't helping me hanging around people that cried a lot & cut themselves & such. Do what you can to surround yourself with some more positive people.