I've raised the question of mental
health recently because I have had a flurry of mental health problems
around me. There is much that is wonderful that the general health
community is doing and little that I am qualified to comment on.
What I can observe, that is relevant, is what I see regarding the upbringing of my grandchildren that can help them avoid mental illness.
First, a heartfelt disclaimer: many forms of mental illness are chemical, hormonal and biological...very little or nothing a parent can do will avoid the consequences of the biological imperatives. Such parents have my deepest sympathy and my greatest appreciation.
On the other-hand there are three
other sources of mental illness and mental anguish that are
attributable to parenting and are avoidable.
1. There are combinations of biological child and parents that are unsuited for each other. I have seen brilliant, curious children become paranoid geeks because the parents were authoritarian, not too bright, tyrants. I have seen incredibly powerful, self-willed children raised by spineless ('whatever you want, darling') parental wimps create ten year old mental patients. Solution: listen to family friends and professionals about the familial relations, take them seriously. Also make sure that a child has outsiders (neighbors, grandparents, cousins, god-parents) as a way for the child to develop outlets for their extraordinary differences. The reality of genetics is that your child has no personality traits in common with you, only enough appearance similarities to make you care for the child.
2. Never let a child grow up who is indecisive.
Regardless of whether the parents are indecisive, the child must be
around people who are decisive and must be rewarded for decisiveness.
An adult who is indecisive is one step away from mental illness every
moment.
3. Every child must learn that his or her mind and emotions are separate from their identity. If you can't control your mind (by separating yourself from it) or your emotions, you are a future mental illness candidate and possible suicide. Sports, competitive and difficult, are the best tools I know for gaining bodily power and will power over your mind and emotions. You win, you race, you push hard because your physical power and will power conquer your mind and your emotions. Vital necessities for healthy adult living.
There are many alternatives to competitive and endurance sports including musical, dance and martial arts training. The goal is to help the child know that his or her mind and emotions are transient. They are not his or her identity.