Mental health disorders are highly common illnesses that affect psychological well-being. Disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder may not manifest like physical illnesses. However, their symptoms can be just as damaging to an individual's life, sometimes even more detrimental.
Due to the long-standing stigma around mental health, a good understanding of how complex the issues can be is lacking. Mental health conditions can be exceptionally complex with many underlying factors and causes. A singular cause of a psychological disorder is almost impossible to pinpoint in most cases.
Addressing the underlying risk factors and causes is the key to the successful rehabilitation of mental health disorders. Take a look at some of the main causes and risk factors for mental health disorders below.
Common Risk Factors for Mental Health Disorders
Genetics and Family History
While research on the topic is in its early stages, a genetic component is likely in some mental health disorders. In other words, if a family member or first-line relative has a certain condition, you may face a higher risk.
Some mental health conditions like schizophrenia, major depression, and bipolar disorder are more closely linked to genetics. With these particular conditions, researchers have found genetic factors linked to certain genes and chromosomes that can make the condition more likely.
Environment and Early Life Experiences
Environmental factors are also important to consider when it comes to mental health disorders. For instance, an individual who grows up in a household with a parent with anxiety may have a higher risk of developing anxiety as an adult.
Early life experiences as a child can also play a role in other ways. For example, a child not given an adequate level of love and nurturing could be more likely to struggle with depression or substance abuse disorder later in life. Likewise, people who experienced abuse during childhood tend to have higher rates of mental health disorders.
Trauma and Stress
Life stressors can put an individual at risk of developing a mental health disorder. Research indicates that 91 percent of people with psychiatric disorders have experienced at least one major traumatic event in their lifetimes. Exposure to tragic or traumatic events, relationship problems, and bullying are all examples of experiences that can contribute to mental illness.
Neurochemical Imbalance
Neurochemicals are chemicals in the brain responsible for nerve cell communication in the brain. A few of the most noteworthy in terms of mental health are serotonin and norepinephrine. Sometimes, these chemicals can become imbalanced, either due to an underlying health condition, substance abuse, or otherwise.
People with conditions like depression or anxiety commonly have unusual patterns of brain chemistry. While research is divided on whether these imbalances cause mental illness, they are thought to be a contributing factor.
Social and Cultural Risk Factors for Mental Health Disorders
While risk factors for mental illness can be related to things like biology and neurochemicals, more external influences also exist. In many cases, both social and cultural factors can be found in an individual's history.
Social Isolation and Loneliness
Lack of a social support system is directly related to a higher risk of mental health disorders. Some researchers believe that social isolation and feeling lonely can be twice as harmful to both mental and physical health as obesity.
Older adults who struggle with loneliness are often most at risk of developing an illness like depression or anxiety. However, people of all ages can struggle with having meaningful relationships with others and developing mental illness.
Socioeconomic Status
Roughly one-fourth of adults with a mental illness are considered to have below-poverty-line incomes. Socioeconomic status may exacerbate mental illness due to not getting adequate treatment and increase the likelihood of developing an illness.
For example, you may not be able to afford to miss work for treatment despite having symptoms of a mental illness. Likewise, someone with a low income may deal with severe depression if they can't support themselves or their family.
Discrimination and Marginalization
Some marginalized communities face higher risks of mental illness. People who deal with discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, and even socioeconomic status may be more likely to develop a mental health disorder. These marginalized communities may also face higher levels of stigma toward mental illness that prevents adequate diagnosis and treatment.
Cultural Attitudes Towards Mental Health
Individuals often deal with negative views of mental illness on a cultural level that leads to higher risks. Primarily, the risk stems from not feeling comfortable about seeking treatment despite obvious symptoms. Therefore, advocacy for mental health awareness for everyone is extremely important.
While society now understands more about mental illness, many people don't understand the severity of these conditions. Something like depression may be viewed as a "weakness" or a "lack of willpower" instead of a verifiable illness, for example. Unfortunately, this can make someone much more apprehensive about getting the help they need.
The Best Rehabilitation of Mental Health Starts with Understanding
Addressing mental health disorders requires early intervention and a good understanding of the underlying factors at play. Understanding and empathy are also crucial for recovery, which is why advocacy for mental health awareness and its complexities are so vital. Together, we can all create a supportive environment where individuals can seek help early, receive effective treatment, and thrive in their journey toward mental wellness.
