Break the cycle of family disease

It is hard to understand why some people develop serious mental disorders, while others don’t. Research carried out for many decades has shown that this is the case A genetic link to mental disorders Such as depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Supplementary, 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 have the same type of mental health problem. It also does not mean that if you have a family member with a serious mental illness, you will also have that disease in your life.

Having a genetic link in the family, however, places a higher risk of challenges in the field of mental health, especially if the genetic predisposition is 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 themselves in the same or similar psychological disorders as other family members.

In his 1998 novel I know so much is trueWally Lamb writes about twin brothers, one of whom is diagnosed with schizophrenia. The book is written from the perspective of the twins that have no schizophrenia, but it struggles with adapting to the mental illness of his brother, as well as his own mental health. It offers a well -thought -out and insightful perspective in the reality of the mental illness of a family member and the desire of a brother or sister to build a mentally healthy and resilient life for itself. Although the protagonist certainly has his part of the problems, both supporting his twin brother and managing his own life, he overcomes many obstacles, he reconciles with his ex-wife and finding meaning and goal.

Although we cannot overcome a genetic predisposition for a physical or mental health status, we are not necessarily intended to acquire this condition. Just as there are ways to reduce our risk of heart disease and type two diabetes, there are ways to lower our risk of depression and other mental disorders with a genetic link. Moreover, even if we develop symptoms of these disorders, early intervention can make a big difference in how this influences our functioning and quality of life. Some mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder, have a clear genetic link, but there are ways in which we can take care of ourselves and build up resilience if the symptoms occur.

Even if we live in a dysfunctional household that grows up, there are ways like adults that we can break toxic cycles to prevent serious consequences of mental disorders. It is fair to say that although the beginning of mental disorders is not entirely under our control, we have some control over the outcome and the extent to which we can still live a targeted life with healthier relationships.

I discussed the risk factors of mental disorders, 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 reduce our risk of mental health disorders, especially if we are aware that they are walking in our families.

Social support

We don’t all grow up with a supporting family. Sometimes family members are the least likely to offer emotional support because they are dealing with their own problems. If this is true, it is important to find support that we can trust elsewhere. They can be friends we make at school, colleagues or people we meet through mutual interests. Having people who can have room for us is extremely important for those whose family history is abundant with psychological problems. When growing up around people who struggle, it is normal for us to know, we have to find someone else normal when we become adults. We have to find people who are reliable when we need them, people who are willing to listen to us actively and to give us empathy.

Avoiding alcohol and other substances

Many people who struggle with mental disorders also struggle with substance use. It is often a form of self -medication for those who are not formally evaluated or diagnosed. Or maybe they have been diagnosed, but they have 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 know that your parents or others in your family struggled with alcoholism or drug addiction, it is best to avoid these things. Drug abuse deteriorates mental health disorders and it makes compliance with medication and other forms of treatment harder. The temporary pleasure of these substances is being weighed against the consequences they can have on people who are at risk of a mental illness.

Borders in family relationships

Healthy limits are important in family relationships because we have to be able to think independently and realize that the choices of our family do not have to be ours. When you make limits, you acknowledge that your actions do not depend on something that another person says or does: you make decisions based on your own thoughts and values. Determining boundaries with those who seem to perpetuate the cycles of family disease function can be difficult. Family members ensure that we often feel guilty. Developing good boundaries can require help from a therapist and supporting friends who encourage us and comfort us when family interactions are a challenge.

Think

It can be difficult to break away from a family whose members always have a hard time. Observing non -diagnosed or untreated mental disorders often leads to the impression that life is a losing struggle and that overcoming hardship is not possible. But finding an area of ​​interest, or even a passion on which you can concentrate will help you cut your own path. Follow education, find a job course or move to a new location. Surround yourself with people who make healthy choices and explore a greater goal for their lives.

Having a family history of mental disorders, or living with family members who are constantly struggling with their mental health, can be a difficult start of life. But with motivation and intention you can break the cycle and not continue that legacy.