Orchid hypothesis

The "orchid hypothesis" suggests that genetics that lead to mental illness can also lead to exceptional and high functioning people when their lives are nurtured, like an orchid that thrives in a greenhouse but withers outdoors.

Not surprising to many folks I'm sure but comforting that it's being studied. Long article but eventually gets to the point. It goes beyond the simple idea of "humans do better in a good environment", it suggests that "humans that are prone to come mental illnesses become exceptional in a good environment". Pretty significant validation for a group sorely in need of that.

I find this notion reinforces my intuitive approach to wellness, that I will live well not by suppressing the excruciating sensitivity I was born with, but by nurturing and embracing it.

http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2009/12/the-science-of-success/307761/

For me, I believe that genetics can play a part in mental illness. It's already been proven that there is a gene linked to "rage" and they call it the Warrior Gene. But somebody with said gene can live a completely peaceful life.

It's because they learned self control and to remove themselves from a triggering situation, or even how to behave in a situation that can be very triggering.

I guess what I'm saying is that I believe that nature and nurture both go hand in hand when creating a person physically, emotionally, spiritually, and so on.

Anasui wrote:For me, I believe that genetics can play a part in mental illness. It's already been proven that there is a gene linked to "rage" and they call it the Warrior Gene. But somebody with said gene can live a completely peaceful life.

of course, i think your warrior gene is a great example. can we alter our environment as adults to give gentleness back to the warrior?

It's because they learned self control and to remove themselves from a triggering situation, or even how to behave in a situation that can be very triggering.

I guess what I'm saying is that I believe that nature and nurture both go hand in hand when creating a person physically, emotionally, spiritually, and so on.

can we cut ourselves so slack, but more importantly create a better climate to accept our individualism by not just accepting the genetic programming, but validating it?

I find this to be true personally. When I have something to use as an outlet for my rage, I tend to be able to calm myself down, rather than when I try to "not feel" it. As it ends up making me feel empty until it finally gets out, and then I have a huge mess to clean up. I'm not violent like I used to be, though still empty most of the time still not having found that stability. Though I firmly believe that I will flourish when I get there, and this isn't something I even saw a year ago, is this ever getting better.

Its a hardwon road to that stability though.

I never heard of that warrior gene thing. I think its kinda funny, since I used to identify with samurai/warrior type heroes in cartoons as a kid. Who had a troubled past and went on to become heroes. Guess there's a grain of truth to the myth?

-- Thu Dec 27, 2012 2:46 pm --

I find this to be true personally. When I have something to use as an outlet for my rage, I tend to be able to calm myself down, rather than when I try to "not feel" it. As it ends up making me feel empty until it finally gets out, and then I have a huge mess to clean up. I'm not violent like I used to be, though still empty most of the time still not having found that stability. Though I firmly believe that I will flourish when I get there, and this isn't something I even saw a year ago, is this ever getting better.

Its a hardwon road to that stability though.

I never heard of that warrior gene thing. I think its kinda funny, since I used to identify with samurai/warrior type heroes in cartoons as a kid. Who had a troubled past and went on to become heroes. Guess there's a grain of truth to the myth?