There has recently been a huge increase in the number of diagnosed mental health disorders. This is due in part to the fact that those who previously struggled to reach out have found the ability to do so. As society works to destigmatize mental illness, it seems that mental illnesses are becoming more common. The further we progress as a society, the more open we can be about mental health.
However, many people still have questions. One of the things people wonder about is whether mental health disorders can be genetic. Those above you on your family tree can pass down many things to you, and that can include mental health disorders.
The study of genetics and mental health disorders has confirmed that some mental health disorders can be passed down. Yet, researchers are still investigating to provide a deeper understanding of how certain things get passed on, as well as to find better ways to diagnose individuals.
Learning about your family's history of mental illness can help provide you with a better understanding of your disorders and get a proper diagnosis faster. When it comes to diagnosing and treating mental health disorders it is always best to catch them sooner rather than later. This way, you can develop healthy coping methods, get proper care, and create a treatment plan that best suits you.
Understanding mental health disorders is the first step in determining whether this is something that runs in your family. A mental health disorder is a chemical imbalance in the brain that causes varying illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia. Each individual can experience different levels of these disorders depending on the severity of the chemical imbalance and other factors.
There is a difference between poor mental health and mental illness. According to a CDC article about mental health basics, someone can have poor mental health and not be diagnosed with a mental illness. Similarly, those with a mental illness can experience times of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Researchers are still conducting studies to determine which mental health disorders can be passed from generation to generation. Some individuals are born with a mental health disorder while others develop one because of the environment they were brought up in. In early development, your brain is especially susceptible to various things you are exposed to.
One thing you may be wondering is what mental health disorders can be genetically passed on. Scientists are still researching what mental health disorders can be passed on through family trees. So far, they have found that major ones include:
According to one study, while these mental health disorders can be passed down, it can be difficult to pinpoint exactly which one you may have because their symptoms can all overlap and present similarly. The best way to determine what mental health disorder you may be struggling with is to seek medical and professional guidance. While these mental health disorders can be passed on, it may be that they've developed by other means.
If you're searching for answers, speak to your family members to see what mental illnesses may be present in your family line. While this is not a sure way to diagnose yourself, as you should refer to a professional, it can give you a starting point. Unfortunately, this may be a difficult topic to discuss, as older generations tend to have more shame when it comes to mental health.
Learning about your family's history with mental illness can also provide a doctor or therapist with an idea of what may be affecting you. Some disorders have similar symptoms, and knowing your family's history can help a professional narrow down what mental disorder you may have.
Along with speaking to older family members, it is a good idea to speak to your children as well. Making your children aware of your family's history of mental illness at an early age helps them be aware and prepared. It also provides them with an open mind about mental health and shows them that, while it can be difficult, it is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of.
Mental health disorders can vary from person to person. Getting a better understanding of yours can help you to develop a treatment plan. Understanding the history of mental illness in your family can provide you with evidence of what may be affecting you. This can also help you to catch a mental health disorder before it progresses very far.
Knowing what you are facing can provide a sense of relief. It can feel like you can finally make sense of an unknown struggle, especially with mental health disorders that have a direct relationship with addiction. While genetics can play a role in mental illnesses, it is always best to seek a professional for their opinion.
Genetics can play a big role in how we as individuals develop. Along with determining eye color or height, genetics can also play a role in mental health disorders. Studies have shown that there are links between genetics and mental health disorders. While research is still ongoing, we know that some of these mental health disorders can include bipolar disorder and major depression. Learning whether there is a history of mental illness in your family can help you get a better idea of what may be affecting you and can help professionals give you a more accurate diagnosis. Mental health disorders can come in all different forms. Learning how to properly address them and come up with a proactive treatment plan is something that NorthStar Transitions can help you with. If you are seeking professional help, do not hesitate to reach out today at (303) 558-6400.
