History of D in family - and ds (2yo) is behaving in similar ways

[WaspElly]

Out of 5 cousins on my fathers side 3 have had depressive episodes/on ADS currently and my brother is just emerging from his latest 'down' period, so I'd say we are definately 'high risk' genetically.

My little boy has just turned 2 and is playing/behaving in very similar fashions to my younger brother, and, being close to my bro (and human!) I really wouldn't want to wish anything like that on my boy.

Does anyone know of any tips/ behaviours that we should encourage/discourage as ds is growing up?
Any tools to help him through later life?

Any suggestions/books/research would be greatfully recieved...

can you really see signs at 2?

well he's showing interest in things/reacting to situations/people in the same way as my brother and if you can have a 'personality' from very early on - why not?

not meaning to be precious about it - just cautious!

I wouldn't be looking for signs of depression in a 2yr old!!

Sometimes if you look too close you can find things that aren't actually there.

Chill out, let him have fun & enjoy being 2. Relax a little & enjoy your wonderful little boy instead of being on the lookout for signs

work on building his confidence and let him express his emotions - read "how to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk" he's too young for the book to help much but it gives good insight into what parents do & say and what affect it has on our dc.

Do you think he is simply displaying similar behaviour traits rather than the starting of depression.
I think he is too young for real depression. Try to teach him to deal differently with events. He will learn most of his behaviour and reactions from you.

Dont you think that maybe by growing up with your brother it could have affected your way of looking at your boy, and that maybe you must go to your HV or GP to discuss your feelings and fears with them. Maybe he do need some help but maybe you need some help or just a little support. It must have been very difficult growing up with your brother.

Thanks - mainly what I thought, I just don't want it to slip past us, as my parents are so distressed at having to watch my brother get through it, as am I.