Are you a parent living with a mental health disorder? If so, you’re probably worried about passing it on to your little one, and possibly to your grandkids in the future. This brings us to the question, is mental illness genetic? Is it really possible to pass the respective hereditary risk factors on to kids?
The short answer to this is yes, it’s possible. But as you’ll learn from this post, mental illness is typically caused by a multitude of factors. So just because you or a relative has a particular psychiatric disorder doesn’t necessarily mean that your child is doomed to suffer from the same. Read on to learn more:
The Genetic Link
The topic of whether genetics play a role in one’s mental health has been debated for years. On one hand, some experts believe that it does. On the other hand, there’s a different camp that strongly opposes this.
According to one 2013 study, up to five psychiatric disorders- autism, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, and major depression- were found to have a genetic association. Conversely, a more recent study conducted in 2019 found zero association between psychiatric disorders like depression and genetics.
Although there are conflicting opinions and results from studies, there’s one thing that everyone agrees on. This is the fact that mental health illnesses are caused by an array of factors. The environment one is raised in, lifestyle, and nutrition all play a role.
In a nutshell, there’s no one psychiatric disorder that’s rooted solely in genetics. So even if you carry a particular gene linked to a mental disorder, it doesn’t automatically mean that you’ll get it. Similarly, you may end up with one of these disorders even if there’s no history of the same in your family.
Mitigating the Risks
Another question that lingers in the minds of many is, “What can I do to minimize the risks of mental illnesses in my family?” Well, here are a few tips:
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness means being conscious of your feelings, thoughts, and everything else within your surroundings. Paying attention to your thoughts means you’re able to notice when you’re getting stressed, anxious, or angry. As written in the Bible, God states “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”. As such, you can take steps to help you cope accordingly.
Stay active
Another way to stave off mental disorders is to stay physically active. Exercising is not just a mood-booster. It provides a splendid opportunity to relieve stress and it gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help manage stress by reducing the levels of stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline. Physical activity and a nutritious diet can enhance the production of endorphins, neurotransmitters that uplift mood and create a sense of well-being. Regular exercise and a proper diet can also improve the quality and duration of sleep, which is one of your most protective factors and is crucial for mental clarity and emotional stability.
Invest in meaningful relationships
As tempting as it can be, don’t spend all your free time browsing your social feed. Instead, be intentional about spending time with friends, family, and loved ones.
Interacting with others gives you a sense of belonging, which improves your mental well-being. Besides, it allows you to share your problems and receive much-needed support.
Being in healthy relationships helps them to learn how to communicate effectively: express their thoughts, listen to others, and resolve conflicts peacefully. These are crucial skills that are beneficial throughout life. Healthy relationships allow you to learn from others and grow as an individual
Although genetic composition contributes to mental disorders, it’s not the only factor at play. Often, there are multiple issues that contribute to psychiatric illnesses, such as diet, lifestyle, and the environment.
So just because a loved one in your family has a mental disorder doesn’t automatically mean that it will be passed on to the next generation.
