Trauma and Epigenetics. How Our Experiences Change Us on a Biological Level
Explore the reasons why you can’t just blame the parents with CG Counseling Temple TX
Mental illness is a multifaceted and often misunderstood aspect of human health. For far too long, society has minimized its significance with phrases like "it's all in your head." This simplification ignores the profound ways in which our brain's processes impact our nervous system and entire body. Understanding the complexities of mental illness is crucial for proper treatment, and a holistic approach that encompasses the head, body, and soul is essential.
The Galvin Family's Journey: A Testament to Bravery and Awareness
The book Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker and the accompanying documentary about the Galvin family provide a profound look into the world of mental illness. The Galvin family, with their 12 children, half of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia, offer a unique and poignant perspective on the hereditary and environmental factors contributing to mental health disorders. Their willingness to share their story is not only brave but also an invaluable contribution to raising awareness and understanding of mental illness.
I highly recommend reading Hidden Valley Road or watching the documentary to gain insight into the complexities of schizophrenia and the impact of mental illness on families, especially if you want a real, human take on the journey. The Galvin family's journey underscores the importance of recognizing mental illness as a whole health condition, much like any other medical condition. Their story also highlights the interplay of genetic predisposition and environmental stressors, which are crucial elements in the study of epigenetics. I cannot applaud this family enough for being willing to be so vulnerable in such a public way for the sake of increasing awareness of mental illness.
The Role of Epigenetics in Mental Illness
Epigenetics is the study of how external factors can affect gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This field has gained significant attention in understanding mental illnesses like schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. Research indicates that while genetic predisposition plays a role, environmental factors such as trauma, stress, and even prenatal conditions can influence the onset and progression of mental health disorders.
According to a study published in Nature Neuroscience, epigenetic modifications can play a crucial role in the development of psychiatric disorders by affecting gene expression in the brain (Nestler, 2014). The Galvin family's experience is a prime example of how trauma and environmental stressors can exacerbate genetic vulnerabilities. As a trauma specialist, I find this particularly compelling. Trauma often manifests not only in the mind but also in the body and soul, requiring a comprehensive treatment approach. The Galvin family members who suffered from schizophrenia had trauma backgrounds, which is a common thread I observe in my practice. Many individuals I work with are grappling with the trauma passed down through their family lines, carrying more than just their own burdens. Sometimes I’m working with a first generation trauma survivor who is now struggling to raise a child who was born with trauma impacts. Sometimes I’m working with a child who has experienced trauma and a parent who, without understanding trauma, PTSD, and the biological impacts of trauma is unaware of how to best support their child. What I do know is that without support, the “backpack” carrying the trauma gets passed down through the generations, further solidifying the epigenetic impact in the family line.
Intergenerational Trauma and Epigenetics: A Deeper Dive
Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next. This phenomenon is not just about learned behaviors or environmental influences but also involves biological changes that can affect gene expression. Epigenetic mechanisms are believed to play a crucial role in this process.
A landmark study by Yehuda et al. (2015) examined the epigenetic changes in the offspring of Holocaust survivors. The research found alterations in the FKBP5 gene, which is involved in stress response, indicating that the trauma experienced by the parents had biological consequences for their children (Yehuda et al., 2015). This study highlights how traumatic experiences can leave a biological imprint that is passed down to subsequent generations, affecting their susceptibility to stress and mental health disorders such as PTSD. As a Jewish woman and a mother to a Jewish child, this study always resonates with me and I remember that the fears and horrors of our ancestors, whether it be the Holocaust or other experiences, live within us and impact us everyday. Nature left us with the ability to warn our family line about how dangerous the world can be without ever speaking a word. Sometimes this is adaptive, and sometimes this is debilitating.
PTSD and Epigenetics
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that arises after exposure to traumatic events. The symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. Recent research has shown that epigenetic changes are involved in the development and persistence of PTSD.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that individuals with PTSD had distinct epigenetic markers compared to those without the disorder. These markers were found in genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates stress responses (Mehta et al., 2013). These findings suggest that trauma can lead to lasting changes in gene expression, contributing to the development and maintenance of PTSD.
Trauma and Mental Health: A Holistic Approach
Trauma is stored in our bodies and can have lasting effects on our mental and physical health. This is why a holistic approach to mental health treatment is essential. At CG Counseling Temple TX my goal is to empower and educate my clients through psychoeducation and raising awareness about the need for a holistic approach. By understanding how trauma impacts the head, body, and soul, we can better address the root causes of mental health issues and provide more effective treatment.
The Galvin family's story resonates deeply with me because it highlights the importance of addressing both genetic and environmental factors in mental health. Schizophrenia is not specifically a trauma diagnosis, but the trauma experienced by the Galvin family members undoubtedly played a role in their mental health struggles. This speaks to the broader issue of how trauma can impact multiple generations and how important it is to address these underlying issues in treatment.
Honoring Mental Illness as a Whole Health Condition
We must honor mental illness as a whole health condition, recognizing that the brain's processes impact the entire body. The phrase "it's all in your head" trivializes the significant ways in which mental health disorders affect individuals. Mental illness should be treated with the same seriousness and compassion as any other health condition. Does parenting and environment matter? Absolutely. Can we out-parent mental illness and create the perfect environment so that a person never experiences their genetically pre-disposed mental illness symptoms? Also no.
A review in the Journal of Clinical Investigation emphasized that understanding mental health as a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors is crucial for effective treatment (Insel, 2017). I am grateful to be a mental health professional at a time when there is increased awareness, understanding, and support for mental illness. However, we still have a long way to go in our understanding and treatment of mental health disorders. The Galvin family's bravery in sharing their journey is a reminder of the importance of continuing to raise awareness and improve our approaches to treatment.
The journey of the Galvin family, as chronicled in Hidden Valley Road and the accompanying documentary, offers a profound insight into the complexities of mental illness. Their story underscores the importance of understanding the interplay of genetic and environmental factors, particularly trauma, in mental health. As a trauma specialist, I am committed to empowering and educating my clients through a holistic approach that addresses the head, body, and soul.
We must continue to honor mental illness as a whole health condition and strive for a deeper understanding of its complexities. By doing so, we can provide more effective and compassionate care for those struggling with mental health issues. I encourage everyone to read Hidden Valley Road or watch the documentary to gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by those with mental illness, the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, and the need for continued research in this field.
References
Kolker, R. (2020). Hidden Valley Road: Inside the Mind of an American Family. Doubleday.
Nestler, E. J. (2014). Epigenetic mechanisms of depression. Nature Neuroscience, 15(1), 26-34. Link
Insel, T. R. (2017). Rethinking schizophrenia. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 127(1), 78-83. Link
Yehuda, R., Daskalakis, N. P., Bierer, L. M., Bader, H. N., Klengel, T., Holsboer, F., & Binder, E. B. (2015). Holocaust exposure induced intergenerational effects on FKBP5 methylation. Biological Psychiatry, 80(5), 372-380. Link
Mehta, D., Klengel, T., Conneely, K. N., Smith, A. K., Altmann, A., Pace, T. W., ... & Ressler, K. J. (2013). Childhood maltreatment is associated with distinct genomic and epigenetic profiles in posttraumatic stress disorder. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(20), 8302-8307. Link
