Did you know that one of the leading causes of disability worldwide is mental illness? In reality, 450 million individuals are thought to be affected by mental diseases worldwide. This can range from schizophrenia and bipolar disease to sadness, anxiety, and more. Understanding the causes of mental disease is crucial if we are to effectively combat it. We can only hope to develop strategies to prevent them by researching and identifying potential causes. Seek consultation from the Best Psychologist near me at TalktoAngel to learn more about the leading causes of mental health issues.
With 50% of people have had a mental disease or problem at some point in their lifetime, mental disorders are highly prevalent. In the US, one in every five adults experiences a mental disorder at some point during the year. The most prevalent mental conditions include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Since the study of mental health is relatively new in human history, we still don’t fully understand the root causes of mental illness. However, a variety of plausible causes have been noted by experts. Environmental, psychological, and genetic influences are among them. These elements probably work together to lead to the emergence of mental disease.
- Abuse
Abuse is one of the most well-known triggers of mental illness. This can encompass bullying or neglect in addition to physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse. Adulthood or childhood abuse is both possible. Unfortunately, it occurs far too frequently. At some time in their life, one in five women, one in six children, and one in twenty men will experience sexual abuse.
Childhood maltreatment can have a significant and long-lasting impact on mental health. Anxiety, sadness, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental diseases are more likely to develop in abused children. They might also be more inclined to utilize drug misuse as a kind of self-medication.
Abuse in maturity might also result in mental disease. For instance, victims of domestic violence are more susceptible to a post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Substance abuse and mental disease are closely related. Drug or alcohol abusers are more likely to experience sadness, anxiety, and other mental illnesses. People who are going through terrible experiences frequently use drugs or alcohol, which only serves to perpetuate the cycle of abuse.
- Mental Illness in the Family
The field of psychology is frequently thought to be responsible for treating mental health concerns, but new studies have revealed that genetics actually plays a key part in many mental disorders. In reality, research indicates that inherited genetic or biological variables account for about 50% of all mental illnesses.
This implies that you are more likely to experience a mental disorder yourself if you have a blood family who has one. It is not unexpected that heredity is a source of mental diseases since they frequently run in families. Depression, bipolar disorder, and OCD are some mental illnesses with significant hereditary components. It is obvious that genetics plays a significant influence in the development of many illnesses, even though the exact mechanisms behind them are still under investigation.
- Discrimination and Stigma
People who have endured stigma or discrimination are more prone to encounter mental health issues. The LGBTQIA+ community, persons with disabilities, people from minority groups, and people of color who endure systemic discrimination are some examples of these groups.
Discrimination can take many different forms, ranging from minor insults to outright hate crimes. It may be overt or veiled, deliberate or accidental. Discrimination, in any form, can have a serious negative effect on mental health.
Discrimination can leave victims with emotions of embarrassment, worthlessness, and loneliness. A mental health issue like anxiety, depressive episodes, or post-traumatic stress disorder may result from this. Additionally, it can start new mental health disorders or make old ones worse. In rare cases, it could even lead to suicide.
- Loss of a Loved One
One of the most trying situations a person may go through is the death of a loved one. When a close relative or friend passes away, it’s normal to experience loss, sadness, and rage. But for other people, these feelings might get too strong, leading to depression or worry.
A loved one’s passing can occasionally be sudden and unexpected. This may make coping even more challenging. It can be quite distressing to experience shock and uncertainty after a sudden death. Usually, it is our loved ones who give our lives meaning and purpose. Therefore, it may be challenging to maintain motivation once they are gone.
Additionally, the loss of a loved one can cause emotions of loneliness and isolation. This is particularly valid if the deceased was a close friend or relative. When someone passes away, you could feel as though a part of you has also passed away. Due to this, it may be challenging to build relationships with others, which may feed a vicious cycle of loneliness and mental illness.
- Trauma
War, natural catastrophes, rape/sexual assault, physical assault, bullying, neglect, and a history of abuse or violent life experiences are just a few of the traumatic events that can cause mental health disorders.
Mental health can be significantly impacted by trauma. Post-traumatic stress disorder, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and severe depression are just a few of the symptoms that can result from it. Additionally, trauma can make it challenging to trust others, which might result in social isolation.
Some victims of trauma may also struggle with drug misuse issues as a coping mechanism for their suffering. This can exacerbate the issue and result in a downward progression of mental illness and addiction.
Traumatic incidents don’t always have to be the major, irreversible occurrences that we normally imagine. Our mental health might occasionally be significantly impacted by the accumulation of little, everyday traumas. This is especially true for marginalized populations that encounter numerous forms of violence and prejudice.
If you are searching for Who is the best psychologist near me, connect with TalktoAngel, an online platform for mental health concerns.