Your Family’s Mental Health History Matters
The debate of nurture vs. nature continues to be a focus of research being conducted today in the field of mental health. I just attended a conference where the topic of environmental factors and their effect on our mental health was widely discussed. Yet, how much do you really know about the experiences that might have shaped your family life (nurture) or about your family’s mental health history (nature)?
Chronic illnesses, accidents, deaths, wars, immigration, financial hardships, neglect, violence, natural disasters, etc. often have marked effects in the life of any family. Whether by nature or nurture, we inherit a great deal from our parents.
For instance, do you know…
- What major stressors, illnesses, or traumatic events did your family or parents have to face before you were born or when you were a child?
- How did they cope in times of adversity?
- How was stress managed on a daily basis?
- Has anyone in your immediate or extended family suffered from anxiety, depression, addictions or other psychiatric conditions (diagnosed or undiagnosed)?
- Has anyone in your family ever attempted suicide or ended their life?
Mental health is a vital component of our overall quality of life. Although often not spoken about openly, your family’s mental health history might help you to better understand your family and shed light into your own mental health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Photo by by dino olivieri at flickr.com
Filed under: Aging, Chronic Illness & Disease Management, Lifestyle & Behaviors, Resilience, Stress
