Have you ever wondered WHY certain things have happened in your life? Why you may have certain feelings, use certain strategies to cope, or think certain things? Well, turns out your environment may have a lot to do with it, as our previous post discussed. Let’s continue our examination of how environment impacts mental health.
There are many different ways our environment can affect us, and our mental health, as research and studies show. But what does that mean?
One of the main ways our environment affects us is socially: the people we are surrounded by, especially friends and family. Did you grow up in a “dysfunctional” family? Did anyone in your family – parents or siblings – have a problem with substances, or a mental health issue? Are you affected by this now as a young adult or teen? If you are, it’s important to be aware that you may take on a certain role or behave in a certain way to cope with the difficulty that comes with growing up in a turbulent or unstable family. Do you take on the weight of the world in your family, playing the “hero” and taking care of everyone else? Are you the “class clown,” distracting everyone from the painful reality of what’s really going on? Are you the “lost child” – forgotten completely amidst the chaos?
Similarly, if our family is healthy emotionally, there’s a higher likelihood we will be healthy emotionally – well adjusted and able to make rational decisions. If it isn’t, it can contribute to disorders such as depression or anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and more, as well as unhealthy ways to cope such as substance use or risky behaviors.
Another way our environment can affect us is, well, our actual physical environment. Did you grow up in poverty, or experience racism, or grow up in a dirty, cluttered house? Did you experience homelessness or exposure to toxins? Is your school or work environment stressful or unsupportive? If so, you may be experiencing elevated stress levels and using unhealthy coping skills to deal.
The good news is that children and teens can learn resilience – ways to cope with and grow from adversity or trauma in their lives. Therapy is a good start! Surrounding yourself with a healthy network of friends and peers is helpful too, as is recognizing “protective factors” in your life such as unique talents and abilities you possess, things that you enjoy, and focusing on those to increase your confidence and satisfaction in life. It’s also helpful to get out in nature – recognize the beauty that is available to you, even if it’s just a nearby park or hiking trail. Take time to walk in nature or sit by a stream. It may sound simple, but taking advantage of these tips could be really helpful in the long run!
Changing your perception may be helpful, too. Try to focus on finding the positives, such as a supportive friend, focusing on your faith, or practicing gratitude.
If you have experienced or are experiencing a negative environment currently, just remember that this may be contributing to mental health concerns, and recognizing this can be very helpful in the recovery process! And, The Willow Center can help you address this negative environment – please give us a call at 317-852-3690.
–Written by Corey Brackney, LMFTA
