Our brains are so incredibly complex that modern psychology has not advanced to a state where it really can make any suggestions on what is more important; nor really help anyone at all other than prescribing antidepressents ( Sorry for the Tom Cruise like rant, but I am not a big fan of the science of psychology and how they go about standardizing human behavior into certain categories, which is rather ridiculous). i reallt think it depends on the person, and their own unique makeup; some can persevere through a appalingly bad environment, while others can have the best environment in the world, but just do not have the wherewithal to confront life.
I'd ask a neurologist his/her opinion on the matter, if they even can weigh in.