Well I finally plucked up the courage to go to the doctors re my recurrent bouts of depression (previous posts), and I'm glad I did. I was very nervous before I went in but I have a really nice GP. i explained my problem and about my family history/ mum's problems. He reassured me that whilst depression can have a family link, more complex mental health issues, like my mum's has not got any family link so not going to inherit her more serious problems. Given that was always my main fear, i found that really reassuring. I'm already on amitriptyline for migraines, so he has upped my level so it will help depression too, and said come back in a month's time.
Thanks to all those on this board that have offered their help/ support so far!