Understanding Mental Health In Families

Mental Health / Family Health

Is mental illness hereditary? The answer is not straightforward, and we delve into this complex topic to shed light on the nuances.

Exploring the Family Connection

Ever wondered if mental illness runs in a family? Sometimes, it seems like a few family members share a similar mental health journey, while in other cases, it might be a solitary experience. The question of whether mental illness runs in families has intrigued researchers for years.

Most people with a mental illness do not have relatives with the same illness but research indicates that, indeed, mental illness can have familial ties. However, the reasons behind this connection remain elusive. It's not solely about genetics; various factors contribute to mental illness across generations.

Decoding the Genetic Puzzle

Genes play a role, yet the mystery persists. When a condition is passed through genes, it's termed 'hereditary.' The chances of developing a mental illness might hinge on the genetic makeup shared by you and your relatives. However, it's important to note that mental illness is not exclusively hereditary; environmental factors also come into play.

Navigating the Numbers

Ever wondered about the likelihood of mental illness passing down the family tree? Take a glance at the table below, outlining the chances of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder being inherited. These numbers, based on recent studies, offer insights into the probabilities. Remember, these are just probabilities, not certainties.

Schizophrenia

  • General population: 1 in 100
  • One biological parent: 6 in 100
  • Both biological parents: 45 in 100
  • Sibling: 9 in 100
  • Identical twin: 40-50 in 100
  • Non-identical twin: 17 in 100
  • Second-degree relative: 3 in 100

Bipolar Disorder

  • General population: 1 in 100
  • One biological parent: 10 in 100
  • Both biological parents: 40 in 100
  • Sibling: 13 in 100
  • Identical twin: 40-70 in 100
  • Non-identical twin: 20 in 100
  • Second-degree relative: 5 in 100

Understanding the Causes

While we grasp the hereditary aspect, the root causes of mental illness are more complex than just genes; environmental factors like loneliness and life stressors can trigger mental health conditions. Having a family history might increase the chances, but it doesn't mean it’s definite.

Reducing Risks and Promoting Mental Well-being

Mental illness may sometimes have its roots in family history, but taking care of your mental health is essential. Here are some simple things you can do:

  • Eat Well: A balanced diet is good for your brain and body.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Being aware of your thoughts and feelings can improve your well-being. Try setting aside time each day to notice the world around you.
  • Get Moving: Regular exercise can boost your mood. It doesn't have to be intense – a brisk walk or a swim can make a difference.
  • Get Enough Sleep: Adults need 6 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Regular sleep patterns are crucial for mental health.
  • Connect with Others: Good relationships are important for mental well-being. If you don't feel like talking to friends or family, emotional support lines are there for you.
  • Support Others: Helping others can positively impact your own mental health. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
  • Learn Something New: Picking up a new skill can boost your confidence and support recovery.
  • Manage Stress: Life can be stressful, but finding ways to cope can make a difference.
  • Watch Alcohol and Drugs: Using them can affect mental health. If you're worried, talk to your GP.

While, mental health in families remains a subject of ongoing exploration, understanding the mix of genetics and other factors empowers us to navigate it better. By adopting simple, everyday practices, we can promote our mental well-being and break free from myths surrounding mental health in families.

Mental Health Useful Resources

Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), developed by Professor Paul Gilbert OBE, is a...
Sourcing and supporting employment opportunities, training and/or voluntary placements...
Supporting veterans at risk of suicide across Northern Ireland. Exposure to line of duty...
Beyond Bricks is Lego® Based Play that uses a 'recovery to discovery' approach to enhance...
There are a number of health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of...
This is delivered to the general adult population, including those affected by depression...
Libraries NI can provide a free Homecall service to your home if you have significant...
Anxiety can affect anyone at any time, however, students often experience additional...
Our support groups offer a safe space for people aged 18+ to share experiences of anxiety...
AMH New Life Counselling provides high quality counselling services and is part of Action...
The OUR Generation project is a Peace IV funded project that provides a unique...
MindWise is delighted to offer employers an opportunity to train their staff as Mental...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
AMH EveryBODY aims to promote greater understanding and awareness of eating disorders. We...
Mindfulness is a form of meditation with its roots in Buddhism. It helps you develop...
Link & Learns are bite size, topical learning sessions for your employees, delivered...
Tailored activities to support positive mental health and emotional wellbeing. MensSana,...
AMH Works provide specialised mental wellbeing training and consultancy to tackle...
Mood Matters Young People programme is aimed at 14-18 year olds and gives them knowledge...
It is estimated that the overall prevalence of mental health conditions in Northern...
Free access to eBooks, audiobooks and eMagazines - available to download on your device...
Positive Minds for Premature Parents supports families of premature babies to develop and...
Everyone’s mental health and emotional well-being is important and many different issues...
Since 2010 Action Mental Health has been successfully delivering Chronic Pain/Conditions...
The British Red Cross is helping people connect with their local communities, meet new...
MindWise are proud to be the only membership-led mental health organisation in Northern...
CBT involves examining your thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns, and working out...
Be Mindful is an online course that uses mindfulness techniques like meditation,...
We have a wealth of experience in delivering training and consultancy services to a wide...
This supportive behaviour change programme motivates individuals who are ready to make...
Our team of facilitators have extensive knowledge and experience in the field of Mental...
Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and Wellbeing Coaching This virtual training programme...
Our Talking Therapies Practice offers individuals a range of psychological interventions...
Clinical hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis for the treatment and alleviation of a...
We’ve gathered useful advice, information and help for young people aged 8-25 and those...
A partnership, led by AMH, who worked with 8 leading charities to improve mental health...
WiseTalking is a pilot Talking Therapies service for children and young people who are...
This programme is a six week training programme for groups of adults and focuses on...
This idea is a walk in the park. It really is that simple, post a news item to see how...
You must download the Libby app to continue to access the eMagazine and eNewspaper...
Helping employees become more resilient, by giving them the skills to reframe negative...
AWARE also offers an online support group service. The groups provide an opportunity to...
Action Mental Health is one of the ChatPal Project Team Members working to develop and...
This is aimed at the over 55’s and is delivered to groups in community settings. The...
This is a six-session programme using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) concepts – the...
AMH New Horizons provides a comprehensive programme of specialist training in: Personal...
First aid as we know it is the help given to an injured person before medical treatment...
Stress doesn’t just make you feel bad – it can also be bad for your health. The good news...
A project for men aged 50+ to share skills, socialise and connect with their wider...
AMH Promote provides opportunities for adults with a learning disability to be socially...
This is delivered to expectant mothers & parents of babies under 3 years of age. It...
Counselling is a form of talking therapy that allows you to speak openly about your...
From books and magazines to local history resources, Libraries NI has a host of fabulous...
Back to Life, Back to Normality is a free 12-week mental health programme delivered by...
Well mind is a workshop which focuses on recognising the triggers of stress and the...
Bloom is a UK-wide programme which supports young people’s mental health resilience,...
The Community Care and Support Service is open to individuals over the age of 18 years...
Belfast Resource Centre offers many opportunities including social and leisure activities...

Mental Health Helplines & Web Chats

Samaritans
Action Mental Health
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Aware NI - Support Groups
Aware NI - Online Support Groups
Mind - Side by Side Online Community