Under Construction - MHWA Retreat

Genetic Testing


Genetic testing is becoming a science all of its own. “Genetic testing is a type of medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins. The results of a genetic test can confirm or rule out a suspected genetic condition or help determine a person's chance of developing or passing on a genetic disorder.” For more information about genetic testing please read this article.

My response:

I think genetic testing, in most cases, can be a good thing. It can substantiate what you lineage is and what could be impacting you currently and/or in the future. It can be especially helpful in allowing you to understand better about why you are experiencing certain physical and mental conditions.

It can be good or it can be bad; depends on how the person receives and digests the information. It can help you prepare and understand what is going on with you and guide you toward treatment or it can frighten you and make you scrap it all. In addition, in my opinion, if a person undergoes genetic testing one should also keep in mind environmental factors such as home life, life at work, diet, sleep or lack of and interactions with family members and friends.

I have never undergone genetic testing and probably never will because I have found out from relatives—talking with them and observing their behavior—on what they went through and how some it applied to me and gave me a “heads up” on what to look for and how to prevent certain health conditions. Such information has been very helpful.