It's understandable that you would be worried - in fact you are probably somewhat traumatized by your childhood experience. There are some good new treatments in psychotherapy that can help put your worry to rest. I'd recommend some Energy Psychology or EMDR for your childhood memories. Once these are cleared out of your mind for good, you will be free to have occasional moods without undue stress and you'll probably find that you'll experience a reduction in your own bad moods as well.  Sarah Chana

My husband and I both suffer from familial depression, of different degrees.  Even though mine is fairly mild, I still feel like I need anti-depressants to control the worst of the symptoms.  I also see a counselor who concentrates on helping me address whatever stressful situations I encounter (work, family, holidays, etc).  Having a daughter I'd also like to protect, I understand your fear of having your children see you repeat your mother's behavior but your doctor is right, the treatments available now are enormously better than just a few decades ago. Also, in the past, many (if not most) sufferers were never even diagnosed.  Please don't panic-you are aware of your situation, you have a doctor who knows your fears and history and the treatments available can be life-changing.  I have seen this in my own family and others.  Ask for a referral to a counselor who can help with your stress levels.  You don't need a psychotherapist, necessarily, just a sensible person who cares.