Is Mental Illness Inherited?

Mental illness is a term used to describe a wide range of disorders that have an impact on our thoughts, feelings and/or behavior.  Mental illness is not a character flaw, weakness or something inherently wrong with a person—it is an illness like any other and a person has a right to seek appropriate treatment as well as care and support through their illness.

When speaking about mental illness, oftentimes people wonder if it has been passed down in their family.  Though some mental illnesses may be wholly or partially inherited, a person may inherit a gene but not experience the symptoms, or they may not inherit that particular gene even though a parent or grandparent did carry it. Some mental illnesses are caused by biological changes that aren’t genetic, while others are often the result of drugs, difficult life circumstances and stress.  Environmental factors such as excessive stress and substance abuse can play a part by altering the brain’s chemistry, and an individual’s personality can also influence the way they react to life events.

Overall, mental illness seems to be caused by a combination of factors that are unique to each person.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc. (http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/)

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How Will Having a Mental Illness Impact My Life?

A mental illness will have an impact on a person’s behavior, their thought processes, feelings and moods. It follows that a mental illness affects, to a greater or lesser extent, a person’s ability to relate to others, to socialize, to work or to study. The effect will differ greatly depending on the kind of illness the person has, whether they receive effective treatment at an early stage, and the support they receive from friends and family.

Is there a cure?

Although it’s generally considered there isn’t a cure for many mental illnesses, such as chronic schizophrenia, almost all disorders can be treated. At Rose Hill Center, patients get the insights, medications and coping skills they need to manage their illness.  In addition, by combining medication review and management with intensive therapeutic residential rehabilitation and a continuum of care options, Rose Hill gives patients the tools they need to regain and maintain psychiatric stability.

Information provided by the Mental Health Association NSW, Inc. (http://www.mentalhealth.asn.au/)

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Save the Date–Rose Hill Annual Golf Invitational

Join us for Rose Hill’s Annual Golf Invitational on Monday, June 18, 2012 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club.  It’s a great time for a great cause.  All proceeds benefit the patients and programs at Rose Hill Center. For more information, please call 248-531-2413. 

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