31 October 2022

How your parents’ mental health can shape your own wellbeing

Did you know that the mental health impacts of trauma and emotional distress may, in some cases, extend from parents to their children?

As we mark the last day of Mental Health Month, some fascinating research from Deakin’s Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development shows that your parents’ mental health likely shaped your early social and emotional development. Any traumatic or distressing experiences your parents had even decades before your birth may still affect you.

‘This may be because trauma and distress could have lasting biological and social impacts, influencing future reproductive processes and parenting,’ says lead study author Dr Liz Spry.

Your tendency to experience distress is influenced by complex factors including genetics and how you were raised. Many social and financial conditions are also slow to shift. If your parents have experienced racial discrimination or poverty, you may be more likely to experience these too while growing up.

Extreme stress due to traumatic events including genocide, combat and forced displacement can also shape future generations.

Yet a positive history of wellbeing can also cross generations. The children of parents with a history of wellbeing during adolescence and young adulthood showed more positive behaviours and were also less fearful or restless. 

What this means for you

• First, remember to always prioritise your own mental wellbeing. Check out our recent blog on how some simple lifestyle changes can help you to manage a mental health condition or just assist you to feel your best.
• Go easy on yourself – and your family – if you’re aware of, or discover, a history of trauma. Beyond Blue has some helpful advice on how to support someone with anxiety or depression, as well as some important self-care tips. Lifeline also has further information about trauma and how to support your loved ones.
• Reach out for help if needed – we offer a range of health and wellbeing services to support you during your time at Deakin, including free counselling from qualified student mental health experts. For urgent support outside of business hours, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or SuicideLine (1300 651 251) straight away. They’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.