IF YOUR MUM HAS depression

YOUR RISK … is two to three times higher

Almost one in two Aussies will develop a mental health problem at some stage in their life. On average around one in six women and one in eight men will experience some level of depression.

GENETICS DNA plays an important role in some mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The risk of developing a mental illness increases with the number of affected relatives in your wider family.

IF IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY Having a parent or close relative with depression or another mental illness doesn’t mean you’ll have the same experience. Life circumstances and other personal factors still have a crucial infl uence.

If you have a parent or a sibling with major depression, your risk of developing it is about two to three times greater than average. If that family member developed depression in their teens or 20s, and has had depression more than once, then your risk is four to five times greater.

If you think you’re suffering from depression, visit your GP or seek local support via beyondblue.org.au

Reduc your ris b …

Limiting your consumption of fast food and processed snacks People who eat a diet high in junk foods are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Foods high in saturated fats or refined carbohydrates (or both) negatively impact our brain and immune systems. However, a diet full of vegies, fruit, fish, whole grains, olive oil and lean meat reduces depressive symptoms.