Firstly, it's important to remember that mental illnesses are often a complex interplay of multiple factors, including genetics, environment, and individual experiences. It's rarely as simple as one gene causing one disease, particularly when it comes to mental health. When we refer to a genetic predisposition, we mean that the likelihood of developing a specific condition is increased due to the genetic information inherited from our parents.

One of the best books I’ve read about the complexities of families with generational mental health conditions is called Hidden Valley Road, by Robert Kolker. The story is primarily about a prominent family with twelve children, six of whom developed schizophrenia. In a time with tiny data collection or understanding of causes, “bad mothering” was thought to make schizophrenic boys suffer in silence. The book also talks about other families that researchers visited to collect genetic samples for what would become the human genome project. Why do some families have so many affected children? Cousins, grandparents?

Research, including the findings from the Human Genome Project, has indeed shown that multiple genes can be involved in mental illnesses, and these can affect a variety of chromosomes. Each of these genes might contribute a small amount to the risk of developing a particular mental health condition, but collectively, they can significantly raise the probability.

Now, let's discuss triggering events. These are incidents or situations that may lead to the onset of a mental health issue in someone who already has a genetic predisposition. Triggering events could be anything from a traumatic event, significant life changes, high levels of stress, or even physical health issues. This does not mean that everyone who experiences these situations will develop a mental illness; instead, those with a genetic predisposition are more susceptible.

I started having long depression problems and such terrible hick-ups I had to sit in the hall during fourth grade. Even though my dad wasn’t a great parent, he was the adult I felt saw and loved me. My parents divorced with no discussion with my brother or me and no goodbyes. He was just gone with no forwarding address or plans. This was my triggering event. Within a couple of years, my mental health had deteriorated into full bi-polar cycling.

As for why some children with mentally ill parents develop the same illness while their siblings do not, it goes back to the complexity of genetic and environmental interactions. Even though siblings share about half of their genetic material, they do not have identical genes. Additionally, each child may experience their shared environment differently due to their unique perceptions and reactions.

It's also crucial to remember that mental illnesses can occur spontaneously, without a family history. Sometimes, new genetic mutations can occur, or an individual's unique combination of genes can make them susceptible. Certain environmental factors can contribute significantly, even without a genetic predisposition.

For many individuals, identifying a specific triggering event can be challenging. Some people might be able to pinpoint a particular incident, while others might see their mental health issues as the culmination of a series of more minor stresses or changes. Either way, acknowledging and understanding these experiences can be crucial to the therapeutic process.

Do you know what your triggering event was?

Large-scale genetic research projects like the Human Genome Project have heavily influenced the growing understanding of the genetic aspects of mental illness. However, we're still far from fully understanding the genetic basis of these conditions. Genetics provides just one piece of the puzzle; environmental factors and individual experiences also play pivotal roles.

Whether mental health issues are just not such a taboo to talk about these days, or more likely, many more people, younger and younger, are suffering with a meriod of mental health struggles. There is so much more to be learned.

“ You possess more power than you realize. Your possibilities are far greater than you think. When you visualize, you open the door to all that you want. So, who do you want to be?”

Signing off this week,

A Broken Mind,

Michelle Hall