Is there a way to prevent or lessen the impact of a mental illness??

because my mom has a mental illness (not like adhd, something serious, like flat out being kinda crazy) and i feel like im starting to inherit some of her traits already. so (and please only answer if you actually KNOW) i was wondering if theres a way (besides help and medicine) to kind of make me better or help prevent me from getting the illness. like an outlet, or something, or writing or music.......?? this is probably a dumb or weird question but i really want to know.

Learning about different mental illnesses will help. Eating a proper diet (6 small well balanced protions a day) and exercising will also help. If anyone in the situation is using drugs or alcohol they need to quit. Support groups can help. There are herbal remedies, like St. Joseph's Wart, that have been known to help depression. Going places, doing different activities, & meeting people can help. Also learning about self control and positive thinking can help. I was misdiagnosed with acute paranoid syciophrenia. I actually have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Panic Attacks, & Bi polar (so they say). Counseling and med.'s have helped to a point. However, a big part of it is helping yourself. If you're in a bad situation - get out of it ASAP. If it's panic attacks - learn breathing techniques, as well as, relaxing techniques. Like a long bath with candles, reading, etc. If it is paranoid szciophrenia - these things will help - however Medication is the most effective, for a somewhat "normal" life. Don't let it get out of hand. These things are more effectively treated with what I told you and medication and counseling. There is no shame in it. There are more people out there than is acknowledged with some sort of mental problem. The thing we all want is to be and function as "normally" as possible. If you can't find the right med.'s at first. Don't give up. They react with us all differently. I don't recommend Zyprexa - it causes significant weight gain - FAST. LOL

This is going to sound dumb or weird, perhaps, too -- but get some self-help books for the condition or behaviors you're experiencing or expect to experience -- just being aware will help to a point!
Do not underestimate, however, the benefits of therapy and meds when they're needed.
Give yourself plenty of time to understand your own condition.
Creative outlets are always helpful - any positive ways to express yourself will be good for you.

There are alot of reports out there that state that exposure to aluminum is linked to mental illness. The two biggest areas that we are exposed to aluminum is pop cans and deodorant. If you can get around those, that might help. Also, depression can be aggrivated by floride in your toothpaste. Switch to non-floride.

There are so many mental illnesses - you can't get a good answer unless you can be more specific. I will say that better and better medications are being made and used to treat mental illnesses. This sounds like something that would be good to talk about with an adult you trust like a teacher, guidance counselor, pastor, etc. They can help point you in the direction to go.

If mental illness "runs" in your genetics there isn't much you can do about changing it. None of us choose our biological parents after all. In the meantime, live life one day at a time and be the best person you can be. Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Don't be so discouraged. There are many people in your predicament and they still manage to enjoy life.

Not a dumb question at all. Sadly a lot of mental illness is part of ones biology and very inheritable which means avoiding it is very hard.

I am questioning why you dont want "help or medicine" which are BY FAR the best treatment and preventative methods. It may be good to begin "real" treatment while your symptoms are in their infancy to learn how to cope and slow them before the become a "disorder".

However, if you really do not want to do therapy or meds having an outlet can help though will not prevent or cure the illness. As you stated, writing and music are two great examples. It is also important to have a strong social support system which is a HUGE help.

I wish you the best of luck. Please remember that mental illness is a disease just like cancer or heart conditions. You would never tell a person with lung cancer to just "find and outlet" you would tell them to see the Doctor and physical therpist ect. It is the same for mental illness, please do not feel guilty or as though mental illness is your fault. Seek help to prevent and not to have to repair.