8 Leading Causes of Mental Health Issues

Mental health issues still suffer from a stigma, even in this day and age. Learning about the causes of mental health problems can help us spread awareness and seek assistance for those in need.

What is mental health?

Psychological, emotional, and social well-being are all components of mental health. Mental health helps us deal with day-to-day problems and life stressors healthily, build positive relationships, and make better decisions. Poor mental health can negatively impact our education, career, personal life, health, social standing, and reputation.

Poor mental health differs from mental illness or mental disorders, even though these terms are often used interchangeably.

A mental illness is a psychiatric disorder that may affect our thoughts, feelings, moods, and behaviours. However, poor mental health can become a mental health problem, leading to the onset of psychological conditions. Mental health issues are therefore essential to recognise.

Mental health problems can plague most of us at one point or another. If left untreated over a long time, such issues can interfere with our ability to function normally or handle daily difficulties.

Mental illness is an ugly reality

Around 280 million people across the globe are suffering from depression, and about 7,00,000 people commit suicide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are many mental health problems besides depression, such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, addictive behaviours, eating disorders, and so on. Each person’s experience with mental illness and health issues is unique. For some individuals, a mental illness is triggered by abuse, while others are not even bothered by it.

Eight leading causes of mental health issues

Mental health issues are usually a result of a combination of factors, not just one. While there may be many contributing factors, there is usually no single cause.

Some common causes of mental health problems:

1. Genetics

Genetic predisposition is the most frequent reason for mental illness in young and older people. A close relative with mental illness—such as parents, siblings, or even blood relatives—increases your chance of acquiring the same condition. In mental health, genetic variants in family members increase the likelihood of developing a particular condition. Therefore, children of parents with mental issues and addiction are more likely to develop psychological problems than those without mental health issues.

An affected family member does not guarantee you will get the same mental disorder. It is not necessarily true that someone will develop a condition such as OCD, bipolar disorder, or depression simply because it runs in their family. Genetic research has provided biological insights into mental illness. “Mental illness is believed to be a result of a variety of biological and environmental factors,” says the study.

2. Environmental factors

A stressful environment frequently causes mental health issues in children, adults, and older individuals, difficult life situations, and other adversities. The excessive mental stress put on your brain by psychological, emotional, and physiological influences may cause mental illness.

3. Abuse and neglect

A recent study indicates that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as physical, social, emotional, and behavioural issues that develop in adulthood, are strongly associated with domestic violence, neglect, bullying, and household dysfunction. Although adverse childhood experiences may also trigger mental health problems, abuse in adulthood may also cause mental health issues.

Domestic violence and abuse can cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, anxiety, and depression in childhood or adulthood.

4. Trauma

Past traumatic events can still significantly affect your mental health, even if you are no longer experiencing stressful circumstances.

Even repeated minor daily occurrences may negatively impact their mental health. For example, daily discrimination and violenceare common among marginalised groups, but this can have a devastating effect later in life.

Substance use can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of mental illness and addiction. According to a study, people who have experienced at least one non-interpersonal or interpersonal traumatic event in their lifetime are more likely to have depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

5. Loss of a loved one

Losing a loved one is one of the most devastating and difficult life experiences. Grief, bereavement, and even anger are all common reactions to losing a loved one. We may suffer from a deficit of meaning in our lives, resulting in emptiness, hopelessness, and helplessness. We may also feel as if we’re dead, making it hard to connect with other family members and friends. Sometimes, these emotions are so intense that those affected can’t handle them. When these feelings are left untreated, they worsen and result in the development of mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder. Suicide and heart disease are also more common following a bereavement.

6. Stigma

Discrimination, whether overt or covert, affects individuals like the LGBTQ+ community, minority groups, people with disabilities, and people of colour and can negatively impact mental health. Isolation, withdrawal, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, stress, and anxiety are typical results of discrimination and stigma.

In one study, researchers found that “racism is significantly connected to poor health, including mental health.” Racial and ethnic discrimination experienced by young adults and adolescents can result in adverse mental health outcomes. According to a survey, there is an “elevated prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders among lesbian, gay, and bisexual groups than among heterosexuals.”

7. Biological factors

Researchers have identified that brain chemicals play a crucial role in mental health issues. An imbalance in brain chemicals often causes mental illness. Brain structure has been implicated in the development of mental disorders. Scientists believe that mental illnesses are caused by problems with neuron communication (neurotransmission). For instance, people suffering from depression generally have lower levels of serotonin.

8. Substance abuse

Persons with depression frequently suffer from alcohol and addiction.Psychiatric and addictive conditions are often present simultaneously.

Most individuals with mental illness self-medicate with drugs and alcohol instead of seeking medical help. Because they do not seek medical help, individuals with mental health problems often use drugs and alcohol. Because substance abuse harms the brain and dramatically alters brain chemistry, it may even cause mental health problems. According to several studies, substance use disorder (SUD) increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and mood disturbances.

According to the researchers, patients with schizophrenia have higher rates of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use disorders than the general population.

You now know what causes mental health problems and what risk factors contribute to them.

Psychologists can identify the condition and formulate a treatment plan if we know the causes. If someone develops a psychological problem, seeking professional support early can help them manage their symptoms and lead a productive and healthy life.

A person can recover.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a psychological or addiction issue, call 90008 50001 or click www.hopetrustindia.com