Are Mental Health Disorders Genetic?

It may be something that you wondered before: are mental health disorders genetic? What does it mean if one or both of my biological parents have mental health issues?

For certain individuals, finding the answer to this question may be anxiety triggering. The short answer is that both genetics and environment could play a role in the onset of mental health disorders but it doesn't always mean that if you have family members impacted by mental health or you grew up in a disruptive environment that you will be developing mental health issues. In certain cases, their cause is unknown.

It's also important to recognize that mental health disorders alter someone's functioning levels quite importantly and over a long period. We all experience situational stress, anxiety, or depressed feelings at some point in our lives, but that doesn't mean that we will necessarily develop a disorder.

So, what are the risk factors to develop mental illnesses?

Parents' genes can impact the likelihood of developing mental health disorders just like health issues. These genes may contribute to the abnormal functioning of nerve cell circuits or pathways that connect particular brain regions. This is why medications may be needed for some individuals who suffer from mental disorders to control the imbalances and protect brain cells from damage. Multiple genes and other factors are therefore interacting to lead to the development of mental illnesses...or not.

We also know that childhood trauma (i.e. neglect, abuse, etc.) and some social risk factors such as poverty, toxic relationships, stigma, etc. also contribute to the development of mental illnesses. Furthermore, physical environment factors such as exposure to certain toxins, hazardous work environments, extreme exhaustion, and weather conditions can also impact someone's mental health and in some cases, brain injuries, infections, and substance abuse may also lead to mental health concerns.

Because caregivers who have mental illnesses may sometimes create challenging environments for the child, it's even harder to know for sure which of the two impact children's mental health the most.

What does that mean for me?

Unfortunately, even genetic testing does not currently prevent or predict the risks of developing a mental disorder.

The majority of mental disorders are developed by age 24. Chances are, if you read this article and are over that age, you may be out of the loop but if this topic still worries you, there are things you can do to protect yourself:

Sleep: Sufficient sleep helps the brain to process emotional information. Make sure to catch up on your Zzz and ensure you don't cut back on your sleep to replace it with other activities.

Social Connections: Keep on connecting with loved ones and focus on positive relationships. Fostering healthy social interactions creates a sense of safety, belonging and forge self-identities while being a support system.

Stay away from substance use: Avoid drugs and alcohol as much as possible as they can exacerbate symptoms and even trigger new ones.

Exercise: Exercising regularly helps to reduce symptoms of mental illnesses and, in some cases, can prevent their development. People who tend to their physical health are less likely to suffer from mental disorders.

Self-care: Take the time to take your time! Similarly to exercising, self-care is closely related to positive mental health. It helps you manage stress and increase your energy so practice doing things you enjoy and brings happiness into your life.

It doesn't matter if you are at risk of developing a mental disorder or not. Practicing a healthy lifestyle will always be the best choice you can do for yourself. Focusing on how you can advocate for a better life rather than how or when you can be at risk down the road will be much more productive in achieving your goals.

If you currently find yourself struggling to cope with life challenges or if you have negative feelings that are not going away, make sure to seek support from a mental health professional.