Nature vs. Nurture: Exploring What Shapes Our Mental Health

Are we born the way we are, or are we products of our environments? The nature vs. nurture debate has been argued over for nearly two centuries, and it extends to discussions about our mental health too

On one hand, several studies indicate that mental health disorders can be passed down genetically. On the other hand, it is known that certain environmental factors can trigger mental health issues. Are these two sources of mental health disorders mutually exclusive, or can both our genetics and our environment shape our mental health?

Let’s take a look at both arguments in detail to determine how someone’s genetics and environment could influence their mental health.

The Nature Argument—How Biology Shapes Mental Health

The nature argument suggests that our biology plays a large role in the development of mental health issues. Similar to how we are born with varying risks of developing physical illnesses, we are also born with varying risks of inheriting mental health illnesses.

Most mental health professionals agree that someone’s brain structure and chemistry can impact their chances of developing certain mental health disorders. Evidence of this can be seen in a clinical study published by Nature.com where they found similar neurobiology in children who are predisposed to mental illnesses.  

Certain medications can be prescribed to help overcome chemical imbalances in the brain. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to overcome a lack of serotonin in the brain. The effectiveness of these medications support the idea that some mental illnesses are the result of biological factors like chemical imbalances.

Read our related article to answer the question: How long does it take for antidepressants to work?

Genetic Inheritance and Mental Illness

It is widely accepted that certain mental illnesses can run in families. If someone’s close relatives or parents have a specific mental health disorder, then they’re more likely to have it as well.

Some of the common mental illnesses that tend to run in families include:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 
• Bipolar disorder
• Major depression
• Schizophrenia

The idea of being genetically predisposed to certain mental health issues serves as evidence for the nature argument. A recent study published by the National Institutes of Health found two chromosome abnormalities that are linked to five common mental health disorders. Their findings support the idea of a genetic component at the root of certain mental health issues.

‍Read our family resources to understand how to help a family member that’s suffering from mental health issues.

The Nurture Argument—How Environments Shape Mental Health

The nurture argument suggests that our environments play a large role in the development of mental health disorders. In this case, nurture doesn’t necessarily relate to nurturing. Instead, it refers to a variety of external factors that influence who we are. 

Some of the environmental factors that are known to negatively influence our mental health include:

• Stress
• Grief
• Neglect
• Abuse
• Major life changes
• Drugs and alcohol

Although genetics can make someone more likely to develop mental health issues like depression and anxiety, they are just one piece of a larger puzzle. Particularly impactful environmental factors are known to trigger mental health issues, even in people that aren’t genetically predisposed to developing them. 

‍Read our related guide to explore the models of addiction.

Trauma and Mental Illness

‍One of the strongest pieces of evidence for the nurture argument is the impact of trauma. Although childhood trauma is particularly damaging, any form of trauma can cause acute mental harm that leads to long-lasting mental health issues.Some of the common mental health issues that are rooted in trauma are:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders
• Depressive disorders
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Substance use disorders

Intergenerational trauma is another form of trauma that can severely impact how we think and behave. This form of trauma occurs when one generation is impacted by a traumatic event, and they pass along their trauma-affected beliefs and behaviors to their children. Intergenerational trauma demonstrates how environmental factors can influence a child’s mental health, rather than inheriting mental health issues from genetics alone.

‍Read our related article to discover signs of unresolved childhood trauma.

Nature and Nurture—How Our Biology and Environment Shape Our Mental Health

After looking at the evidence for the nature argument, we’ve discovered that there can be a biological component at the root of mental health issues. After examining the nurture argument, we’ve found that certain environmental factors can impact our mental health to a similar extent.

Most mental health experts agree that our mental health is complex, and we are equally affected by both our biology and our environment. This consensus is important because it helps us better understand the factors that determine who we are, how we think, and how we behave.

Sequoia Behavioral Health—Helping You Achieve Mental Wellness

At Sequoia Behavioral Health, we recognize that each individual has distinct factors that shape their mental health. That’s why we get to know each of our clients on a personal level to develop a treatment plan that’s unique to them and their mental health goals. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, reach out to our mental health professionals today.