Break the Cycle of Family Mental Illness

Break the Cycle of Family Mental Illness

It is hard to understand why some people develop serious Mental health conditions while others do not. Research conducted across many decades has revealed that there is a genetic link to mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Additionally, one in five children has a parent with a serious mental illness.

This does not mean that every child whose parents struggle with Mental health will end up having the same type of Mental health problem. It also doesn’t mean that if you have a family member with a serious mental illness that you will also have that illness in your lifetime.

However, having a genetic link in the family places you at a higher risk of having Mental health challenges, especially if the genetic predisposition is in addition to a stressful home environment, abuse or neglect, or a traumatic experience. Those environmental conditions, in addition to a genetic link in the family, often manifest in the same or similar mental illness as other family members.

In his 1998 novel I Know This Much Is True, Wally Lamb writes about twin brothers, one of whom is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The book is written from the perspective of the twin who does not have schizophrenia, but who struggles with adjusting to his brother’s mental illness, as well as his own Mental health. It provides a thoughtful and insightful perspective into the reality of a family member’s mental illness and a sibling’s desire to build a mentally healthy and resilient life for himself. While the protagonist certainly has his share of troubles, both supporting his twin brother and managing his own life, he ends up overcoming many obstacles, reconciling with his ex-wife, and finding meaning and purpose.

Although we cannot overcome a genetic predisposition to either a physical or Mental health condition, we are not necessarily destined to acquire this condition. Just as there are ways to lower our risk of heart disease and type two diabetes, there are ways to lower our risk of experiencing depression and other Mental health conditions with a genetic link. Additionally, even if we develop symptoms of these conditions, early intervention can make a big difference in how it affects our functioning and quality of life. Some mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder, have a clear genetic link, but there are ways in which we can take care of ourselves and build resilience if symptoms occur.

Even if we live in a dysfunctional household growing up, there are ways as adults that we can break toxic cycles to prevent more serious consequences of Mental health conditions. It is fair to say that while the onset of Mental health conditions is not entirely within our control, we do have some control over the outcome and the extent to which we can still live a purposeful life with healthier relationships.

I discussed the risk factors of mental illness, including a genetic link and family history, a dysfunctional family environment, and the experience of trauma. But there are protective factors that we can all develop to lower our risk of Mental health conditions, especially when we are aware they run in our families.

Social support

Not all of us grow up with a supportive family. Sometimes, family members are the least likely to provide emotional support as they are dealing with their own issues. If this is true, it’s important to find support that we can depend on elsewhere. It may be friends that we make throughout school, coworkers, or people that we meet through mutual interests. Having people who can hold space for us is extremely important for those whose family history is abundant with Mental health problems. If growing up around people who are struggling is the normal that we know, we must find a different normal as we become adults. We must find people who are reliable when we need them, people who are willing to actively listen to us and provide us with empathy.

Avoidance of alcohol and other substances

Many people who struggle with mental illness also struggle with substance use. It is often a form of self-medication for those who have not formally been evaluated or diagnosed. Or, perhaps they have been diagnosed, but they’re having a lot of trouble finding healthy coping mechanisms. There is definitely a genetic link to alcohol dependence, and this dependence runs in families. If you’re aware that your parents or others in your family have struggled with alcoholism or drug addiction, it’s best to avoid these things. Substance abuse worsens Mental health conditions, and it makes adherence to medication and other forms of treatment harder. The temporary enjoyment of these substances is outweighed by the consequences they may have on persons at risk for mental illness.

Boundaries in family relationships

Healthy boundaries are important in family relationships because we need to be able to think independently and realize that our family’s choices don’t have to be our own. When you create boundaries, you recognize that your actions aren’t contingent on something another person says or does: you make decisions based on your own thoughts and values. Establishing boundaries with those who seem to perpetuate the cycles of family dysfunction can be difficult. Family members often make us feel guilty. Developing good boundaries may require the assistance of a therapist and supportive friends who encourage us and comfort us when family interactions are challenging.

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Finding purpose

It can be hard to break away from a family whose members always seem to be struggling. Observing undiagnosed or untreated mental illness often leads to the impression that life is a losing battle and that overcoming hardship is not possible. But finding an area of interest, or even a passion, that you can focus on will help you carve your own path. Pursue education, seek job training, or move to a new location. Surround yourself with people who make healthy choices and explore a greater purpose for their lives.

Having a family history of mental illness, or living with family members who constantly struggle with their Mental health, can be a hard start to life. But with motivation and intention, you can break the cycle and not carry on that legacy.

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Muhammad Naeem

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