Genes are not deterministic. Epigenetics explains why. This is why theories on mental illness that try to blame genes are always over-simplified. Environment and what you eat and the amount of stress or trauma one lives with all are part of the picture. Everything matters.
The genetic and biological models allows the luxury of ignoring past and present social factors, says, Gabor Mate. He calls the genetic argument a cop out.
This is a segment from Zeitgeist: Moving Forward (2011). Watch the full documentary online here
The below is a really great segment.
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The other side of this is that neuroplasticity suggests we can heal what goes wrong. So that even if we end up with illnesses of one kind or another due to the combination of all that matters in the context of our lives we can heal!
More on this topic on Beyond Meds:
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Epigenetics
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Epigenetics — genes do not determine your future! (or your mental health)
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The Ghost in your Genes: an intro to epigenetics
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Research in child abuse/neglect shows that violent people are created, not born
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Mental illness, addiction & most chronic illness is linked to childhood loss & trauma (more Gabor Mate)
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