Mental health starts at birth, it’s part of our DNA and is heavily influenced by our parents and caregivers. From the time a person is born, many factors influence their development. Both genetics and environment play significant roles in how a person learns to view themselves and perceive the world around them.

These factors are referred to as nature and nurture and are equally important in understanding mental health and mental illness.

To enjoy a good quality of life, a person must learn the necessary life skills and make wise choices.  They must learn how to practice a healthy lifestyle, which helps to maximize benefits and minimize harm.

Until an individual reaches developmental maturation, they are greatly dependent on the parents or caregivers in their lives to help them.

Anxiety, Depression and Mental Health

Parents and caregivers must model healthy thought patterns and behaviors to help children grow into healthy, mature adults. In cases where this does not exist, mental health problems will develop.

The lack of consistent safety and security from caring, nurturing parents or caregivers will lead to anxiety and depression, as well as other mental or behavioral health problems.

For children who are not privileged or fortunate enough to have healthy parents or caregivers, outside services and professional help will be necessary.

Mental Health for Adults

For adults with mental health problems, the process of reparenting themselves will be necessary. It will require the willingness to restore and repair what was damaged and remains injured.

With the proper love, support and guidance, a person can become a mature adult, developing the capacity to cope with challenges, overcome adversity, enjoy a healthy sense of self and a positive outlook on life.

With proper professional help, a person can learn how to attain what was missed during development and achieve mental wellness. As a psychiatrist who has helped many patients heal from mental and emotional pain, as well as learned how to heal my own pain, I am confident that others can learn how to heal too.

There is hope for those who are willing and teachable.