Research is revealing how mental illness and genetics can be linked together. This discovery is crucial if you’re concerned about your mental health and how your genes play a role.
But it’s also essential to understand that you shouldn’t let this information scare you away from taking action. Ignoring a potential problem may seem reassuring at the moment, and yet, that doesn’t help you in the future.
Instead, understanding the relationship between genetics, family history, life experiences, and mental health can provide helpful context without determining what your future will look like.
Genetics 101
So, how do your genes influence mental illness? Firstly, it helps to understand your genes and how they work in general.
Your genes are the building blocks that make you, you. They are comprised of DNA, which has chromosomes inherited from both of your biological parents. Genes influence many characteristics and traits and can also play a role in our risk for certain health conditions. They also play a role in inheriting certain health traits.
For example, if you know relatives have struggled with high cholesterol, you may also have elevated cholesterol levels, too.
Your Genes and Mental Illness
Just as we know that genes play a role in your physical health, the same is true for your mental health. Some mental health conditions have a genetic component, meaning certain genetic variations may contribute to a person’s risk. However, genes are only part of the picture, and having a family history of a condition does not mean you will develop it yourself.
The National Institutes of Health has identified five of them, which include:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
Maybe one or more of your close, biological relatives dealt with one of these mental health issues. In this case, there is a higher risk you may carry the same predisposition. However, just because a family member has a mental illness doesn’t mean you will develop one, too. There are a lot of factors at play, but it does help to understand your family’s mental health history.
The Difference Between Predisposition vs. Having a Mental Illness
Keep in mind that there’s a big difference between being predisposed to having a mental illness and having a mental health diagnosis. The former means that you have a higher likelihood of developing a mental illness. The latter implies that you have been formally diagnosed as having a mental illness.
What does all of this mean? Having certain genetic factors or a family history may increase your risk for some mental health conditions, but it does not predict with certainty whether you will develop one.
Consider All the Factors
Your genes are just one of many factors that determine whether or not you develop a mental illness. Another factor is your life experiences.
For example, if you had a childhood in which you grew up in a supportive and healthy home, that can undoubtedly influence your mental health. Or, having a disruptive childhood where you felt unsafe and experienced trauma would also significantly affect your mental health.
The point here is that your genes are just one factor—although an important one—out of many that influences your health, both physically and mentally.
What You Can Do to Support Your Mental Health
Even if mental health conditions run in your family, genetics are only one part of your overall mental health. Everyday habits, relationships, life experiences, coping skills, and professional support can all play a role in your well-being. There are many things you can do to take charge of your mental health, such as:
- Reduce and manage sources of stress in your life
- Pursue lifelong learning opportunities
- Commit to a nutritious diet
- Develop meaningful relationships
- Read
- Play games
- Exercise
When Depression Runs in the Family
Having a family history of depression doesn’t mean that depression is inevitable. But if you’re noticing persistent sadness, loss of interest, low motivation, changes in sleep, or other symptoms that are affecting your daily life, therapy can help you better understand what you’re experiencing and find ways to move forward. Learn more about how we support adults experiencing depression through our Depression Therapy services.