can a mental health problem be passed down from parent

Hello
am 38, I have never got on with my Dad really, he has quite a challenging figure and I try to avoid being around him. It seems though I struggle to be growing up and an adult (funny enough so does he), neither of us know how to be self aware or mindful.
My question is can these issues be passed down, parent to child, and if so can that be classed as a form of abuse?
beth

yes, mental illness is hereditary but I am wondering if the heart of your issue might be a case of nature Vs nurture.

here in the USA we have some mental problems that come from physical like birth defects and other genetic diseases that are passed down from parent to child and we have those mental problems that are unique to each individual person diagnosed.

since you are not in the USA and we are not allowed to tell you if your problems come from your parents my suggestion is to contact a medical doctor or mental health professional in your location that can do tests that can tell you what genetic disorders you have and whats not genetic in you.

so more a learned characteristic? am not sure about that, but I do know am always trying to find a good nonsexual Daddy figure to help me.

What you're describing sounds like a combination of genetics and environment. Abuse? I don't know the answer to that, as I would need a lot more information.

Hi bethb. It's part of the current model of mental health that mental illness can be hereditary, yes. Now, whether or not inheriting mental health problems can be viewed as an abuse would, in my opinion, be a matter for the courts. A powerful lawyer may be able to argue in favor of such an idea. But also, just because you have similar traits to your old man, doesn't mean that you have to act in the same way. You say you lack the self awareness but I think you have a certain level of self awareness to be able to start on the path of self change.

Definitely. The exact causes of mental illness aren't always exactly known but it assumed that genes can contribute to the developmental of mental illness. I suggest you to get away from your dad and visit your GP and talk to him about your problem. He may order blood tests and other tests that can confirm whether or not you have a mental disorder.