Attachment and Mental Illness

"Attention is the most basic form of love." - John Tarrant Roshi

Attachment refers to a relationship bond between a child or young person and their primary caregiver which is formed in the early years and has a long-term impact on a child's sense of self, development, growth and future relationships with others.

What considered to be important is the quality of the attachment rather than the existence of it. Beginning at approximately six months of age, infants come to anticipate specific caregivers' responses to their distress and shape their own behaviours accordingly based on daily interactions with their specific caregivers. There are four types of infant-parent attachment:

1. Secure

2. Insecure-avoidant

3. Insecure-resistant

4. Insecure-disorganised

Below is the table describing how early attachment results in adult attachment style:

Research has found that attachment insecurities (of both the anxious and avoidant) are associated with:

1. Depression

2. Clinically significant anxiety

3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

5. Suicidal tendencies

6. Eating disorders.

7. Personality disorders

There is preliminary evidence that a sense of security provided by a psychotherapist improves a client's mental health and reduces the intensity of psychiatric symptoms (e.g. PTSD, eating disorders). Counselling can guide you in identifying your past attachment style and also looking into the current style in order to achieve a healthier interpersonal relationship and self identity.

If you are a caregiver struggling with mental health, forming a secure attachment can sometimes be challenging. It is important for you to get available help and support available for you and your child (a trusted family member or friend, child psychologist, family therapist/counsellor). Remember that you are not alone and support is always available for you to go through any parenting challenges.

For medical emergency:

Call 119