Genetics & Mental Health Issues: What’s the Link?
By: Laura Bennett
We know social and environmental factors can influence symptoms of depression, but what about genetics? Does our ancestry play into how we process life’s stressful events?
This article discusses mental health topics. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
A recent study from McGill University and the Douglas Institute looked at the effects of depression on the brain and, after examining post-mortem brain tissue from individuals who died during an episode of major depressive disorder. Researchers found that certain neurons and microglia may function differently in people living with depression – disrupting systems related to mood, stress and inflammation.
“Our genetic makeup can influence how sensitive we are to stress and how we respond to it,” Clarity Health Care Psychologist Enzo Somosi said.
“For some people, that heightened sensitivity can make them more vulnerable to mental health struggles, but it doesn’t mean those challenges are inevitable.”
Enzo explained on a physical level, depression can influence the way different areas of the brain “talk” to each other – some regions may show inflammation or thinning, while hormones such as cortisol can become irregular – and while genetics also play a part, it’s not in a deterministic way.
“It’s best to think of mental health issues as the result of a gene–environment interaction,” Enzo said.
The “dandelion-orchid” theory created by Dr. W. Thomas Boyce is often used by mental health practitioners to assess how sensitive a person is to their environment.
“The dandelion–orchid idea is a really helpful way to understand how our genes and our environment work together,” Enzo said.
“Some people are a bit like dandelions – they can grow almost anywhere.
“They feel emotions, of course, but they tend to move through things more quickly and cope well across a range of circumstances.
“Others are more like orchids. They’re equally beautiful, but they’re more sensitive to what’s happening around them.
“A bit of stress or a difficult patch in life can hit harder and take longer to recover from.
“But the important part is that, just like real orchids, with the right care and the right conditions, they can thrive.
“This perspective helps us understand a person’s temperament and how we can best support them, rather than assuming everyone responds to life in the same way,” he said.
To safeguard mental wellbeing Enzo encouraged simple, caring steps: regular exercise, a balanced diet, healthy sleep rhythms and staying socially connected.
“One of the biggest [helps] is recognising that you can improve in these areas and that your wellbeing isn’t fixed,” Enzo said.
“Staying connected with your community also makes a difference, even if it feels a bit tedious at times. Pushing through to meet up with friends and having a yarn about whatever’s going on can really help protect against developing more chronic mental health issues.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the Author: Laura Bennett is a media professional, broadcaster and writer from Sydney, Australia.
Feature image: Canva
