"How Your Genes Affect Your Mental Health?"

It's not just environmental factors; our genes also play a significant role.

There are many factors that influence mental health. So, is there a specific gene that causes depression or anxiety? When it comes to things that either protect or harm our mental health, the role of our genes is not typically the first thing that comes to mind. Mental health disorders and issues are products of our mind and brain. Whereas our genes are microscopic elements of our DNA.

From the information I understand, assuming the connection between the two may seem a bit challenging at first, but numerous studies have revealed a significant genetic component to mental health disorders, undoubtedly shaping the understanding and treatment of these illnesses.

If there is a defect or issue with the code in a specific gene, it means that the molecules it produces may not be in the correct form. The shapes, especially for proteins, are crucial aspects of their ability to interact appropriately with other molecules. This implies that any cell with defective proteins may function more aberrantly. If these cells are neurons, then the processes leading to the formation of our mind can be affected in sometimes detrimental or at least non-beneficial ways.

• Therefore, although it is evident that our genes can play a role in our mental health after going through several stages, it would be inaccurate to say they are the sole determining factor. There is no straightforward correlation where having a specific "depression gene" or an "anxiety mutation" means that individuals with these genetic traits will develop anxiety disorders, and those without them will never develop such conditions.

• The brain is highly complex, especially when it comes to the parts that result in the mind. At the helm of the task, there are so many components and systems converging to give rise to consciousness that a single atypical gene automatically producing a disorder is not likely. You can think of it like an electrical grid. In an electrical grid, one poorly installed circuit doesn't cause a power outage. Each condition has its own unique elements.

For instance, in a study conducted in recent years, brain samples taken from individuals with depression showed signs of stress and inflammation. This aligned with evidence suggesting that brain inflammation plays a role in mood disorders and anti-inflammatory drugs could assist in the treatment of depression.