What Are the Causes of Mental Illness?
There is no exact cause of mental illness is known till now, but there are many known factors behind its occurrence. These can be environmental, psychological, or biological. The causes vary from individual to individual and they can be complex. Most individuals with mental illnesses have a combination of these factors as a cause:
Genetic Factors
Most mental illnesses are the result of genetics and run in families. Twin studies have revealed that there is a certain genetic factor. While any family history with mental illness doesn’t certainly cause you to have the illness as well, it does put the individual at greater risk of developing it.
People with close relatives that have schizophrenia are ten times more at risk of developing it themselves. Bipolar disorder and chronic depression are similar.
Chemical Imbalance
The brain communicates with the nerves through neurotransmitters. When these chemicals (neurotransmitters) are not working properly, the brain doesn’t perform actions regularly. This abnormal working of the brain leads to mental illness. This is why medicines are used to lessen the symptoms. They can restore the normal performance of the brain.
Early Development
Abuse or neglect in childhood can lead to serious mental illnesses in adulthood. Severe sexual, physical and emotional abuse can all be causative factors. The loss or death of a parent or any other disastrous event can lead to long-term mental problems.
Long-Term Drug Use
There’s a solid connection between mental illness and drug use. It’s often difficult to tell if an individual is taking medicines to get rid of the symptoms or if the drug prompts the symptoms. Amphetamines, cocaine, Marijuana, psychedelic drugs e.g. LSD, alcohol, and even slightly harmless caffeine have all been associated with mental disorders. Long-term abuse of any drug or substance can lead to paranoia, depression, and anxiety.
Disease or Injury
Exposure to toxins during pregnancy or traumatic brain injury can cause mental illnesses. Lead in paints has been found to cause mental illnesses and some foods are shown to be linked to ADHD.
Infections that disturb the brain can result in damage to areas involved in thinking and personality. The effect of disease or injury on the brain is not precise because researchers have less than few chances to study such cases in life.
Life Experiences
Any kind of suffering that is either persistent or extremely stressful can lead to mental problems. The loss or death of someone close to you, long-term harassment, the experience of war, working too hard, or even being unemployed for too long can push you into mental illnesses.
Society and Culture
Societal factors also take part in developing mental problems. There is a greater risk of mental illness among people who lack social unity, immigrants, and the poor.
Many blame the hectic bound of modern life and the closure of traditional values for the increase in psychological disorders. Racial oppression can also be a factor. However, there is little scientific confirmation to support these cultural and social factors.
Final Words
If you’re concerned that you may be suffering from a mental illness, seek expert help immediately. An experienced professional can check you, help you find the relevant causes, and get you to start the right treatment.