Growing up, mental Health was a taboo topic in my family. It was not something we spoke about, and any mention of it was swiftly shut down. Bad feelings were to be avoided at all costs, and any discomfort was to be ignored. I grew up believing that I was fine, and that was how I would always be.
It’s hard to pinpoint when my struggles with mental health began. Despite a seemingly “fine” upbringing, I found myself dealing with constant anxiety, racing thoughts, and a persistent fear of being disliked. I convinced myself that these feelings were normal, that everyone experiences self-hatred to some degree.
However, when even simple tasks like getting out of bed became a challenge, I knew I needed to seek help. It took me months to work up the courage to talk to my parents about it, as the stigma surrounding mental health in our culture weighed heavily on me.
When I finally did tell my parents, they were at a loss as to how to react. They couldn’t understand how a child with good grades, friends, and a stable family could be struggling. Despite their attempts to normalize my experiences, I insisted on starting therapy.
After several diagnoses and therapists, it became clear that my struggles were not just a result of random chance. They were deeply rooted in my upbringing and the emotional environment I grew up in. I became resentful of my family, blaming them for the damage to my mental health. I felt as though they had deliberately burdened me with their own issues.
As I got older, I began to see the parallels between my own thought patterns and those of my parents. I realized that my poor mental health was not just a product of my childhood, but also inherited from my family’s emotional struggles.
The topic of mental health has historically been taboo in many cultures and families, and the stigma surrounding it can have long-lasting effects. In recent years, there has been a growing effort to break down these barriers and create more open conversations about mental health. It is important for individuals to seek help and for families to provide the support and understanding needed for healing.
This journey has shown me the importance of breaking the cycle of generational struggles with mental health and seeking help to heal and grow. It is possible to overcome the challenges inherited from family and create a positive and healthy mental outlook.
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