I’ve always held a strong belief that the foundation of our mental health is laid within the confines of our family. It’s where we first learn about love, loss, and the complexities of human connection. Listening to Dr. Eda Tatu‘s insights on the connection between mental health and addiction only solidified this perception. (Dr. Eda Tatu, is a medical doctor and founder of the Wastahili Family Wellness Center). Her emphasis on the family as the cornerstone of well-being is a perspective that deserves wider attention.
In this blog post, I invite you to delve into Dr. Tatu’s enlightening conversation on Spice FM, I’ll embed the video below, where she unravels the intricate relationship between family dynamics, childhood experiences, and mental health outcomes. Her words offer valuable insights into understanding the roots of our struggles and provide a roadmap for fostering healthier individuals and families.
The Foundation of Wellbeing: A Functional Family
Dr. Tatu emphasizes the crucial role of a functional family in fostering mental well-being. She defines a functional family as one where the needs of all members are met. These needs encompass eight aspects: physical, emotional, mental, occupational, social, spiritual, financial, and environmental. The presence of healthy parents who can nurture and guide their children is paramount.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Trauma Score
The discussion delves into the concept of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). These are stressful events during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Studies have shown that a score of four or more on a ten-point ACEs scale indicates severe childhood trauma. Dr. Tatu highlights the concerning statistic that a score of six significantly increases the likelihood of suicide.
The Cycle of Trauma: From Conception to Consequences
The presentation emphasizes that trauma can begin even before birth. A mother experiencing stress or emotional distress during pregnancy can negatively impact the developing child. This highlights the importance of preconceptional health and a supportive environment for both parents.
Identifying Mental Health Issues
Dr. Tatu outlines key aspects of mental health: knowledge of one’s capabilities, coping with stress, and making responsible choices. She emphasizes the importance of observing behaviour, communication skills, and emotional intelligence to identify potential mental health concerns.
The Resilience Factor: Why Some Thrive Despite Challenges
The discussion acknowledges that some individuals raised in challenging environments overcome adversity and thrive. Dr. Tatu attributes this resilience to inherent personality traits and the presence of a supportive adult figure, such as a teacher, who acts as a buffer against the negative effects of trauma.
Understanding Family Dynamics and Parenting Styles
Family dynamics play a significant role in shaping mental health. Dr. Tatu highlights how favouritism, sibling rivalry, and inconsistent parenting styles can impact children. She emphasizes the importance of authoritative parenting, which balances responsiveness with expectations and boundaries.
Read: A Conversation with Carson Anekeya; The Mental Health Advocate.
The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction
Dr. Tatu explains the “self-medication hypothesis,” where individuals experiencing mental health struggles turn to substances or behaviours as a coping mechanism. This can create a vicious cycle of addiction that further worsens mental health.
Favouritism, sibling rivalry, and inconsistent parenting styles can impact children.
Building a Trauma-Informed Society
She concludes by advocating for a trauma-informed society. This approach involves recognizing the prevalence of trauma and its impact on behaviour. By recognizing the underlying emotional needs and belief systems driving behaviour, we can offer more effective support and intervention.
Enhancing Mental Well-being: A Community Effort
Dr. Tatu’s presentation underscores the importance of a holistic approach to mental health. It highlights the need for:
- Healthy family structures that meet the needs of all members.
- Early identification and intervention for childhood trauma.
- Supportive environments that promote resilience.
- Trauma-informed education for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.
- Accessible mental health services to address underlying issues and prevent addiction.
Families, communities, and healthcare systems can create a more supportive environment that fosters mental well-being and reduces the risk of addiction; and I love this approach to dealing with mental health.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel hereto stay updated
Indeed having a supportive family, a supportive community and a proper health care system is more than enough in fostering a healthy mind. Informative 👏
Thanks very much for this excellent article. We have alot of intergenerational psychological trauma in Kenya and worldwide, the consequences of which we are living with. Marriage, Parenting, Emotional Intelligence and Character formation are extremely important but not taught in schools. Marriage and Parenting are vocational roles that have largely been left to chance; a ‘throw of the dice”, with displaced emphasis on flashy weddings and lifestyles. We definitely need to be more intentional about premarital preparation (long before one meets their spouse) and parenting skills, knowing the seriousness of these vocational callings. Once we raise a trauma- informed generation with character(virtues) especially personal integrity, the future looks bright.