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Most Prominent Causes of Mental Health Issues

Posted By : Administrator Monday 30 Jan, 2017
Most Prominent Causes of Mental Health Issues

Diagnosing mental illness is a lot different than diagnosing other chronic ailments, for instance, heart disease. Heart diseases can be identified with the help of ECG. Diabetes can be diagnosed with the help of blood tests. When it comes to brain though, doctors are still working towards effective diagnosis of mental health issues. While neuro-imaging is making swift progress, most of mental illness diagnosis is still very subjective. 

Brain is the most complex of all human organs. A lot of factors can affect the health of the brain. These factors can be classified into biological, social, and environmental.


Biological causes of mental health issues

Biology refers to the structure of the brain, the chemicals it produces, and the genes it has inherited. There is a lot of ongoing research into understanding the biology of the brain. Recent studies and research though have confirmed that people with a history of mental illness in the family are more predisposed to mental health issues themselves. 

While we understand that chemical imbalances cause mental health issues, we still do not completely understand which individuals are at risk of developing mental illnesses. 

Biology also entails any injury or trauma to the brain, which can alter the structure of the brain.


Social causes of mental health issues

Social environment can play a significant role in shaping the mental health of an individual. For instance, it has been seen that people with overbearing parents are more likely to develop social anxiety disorder at a later stage. Similarly, war veterans are at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. 

Likewise, cultural factors and history of discrimination can have an adverse impact on one’s mental makeup. For example, women are more likely to suffer from social anxiety disorder due to patriarchal customs in society.


Environmental causes of mental health issues

Environmental causes entail your immediate peer group, your education, and a history of abuse or trauma in the past. For instance, kids who are bullied at school can develop extremely low self-esteem, which can snowball into anxiety disorder, depression, or panic attacks. A history of sexual abuse can trigger depression and bipolar disorder; while loss of a loved one can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder.


How are mental health issues treated?

Since mental health is a combination of several factors, a 360 degree approach is what is usually taken for mental health management. Thus, for biological causes, medication is prescribed; for social and environmental causes, cognitive behavioral therapy and/or psychotherapy sessions can be prescribed. 

The course of treatment is individualized, depending on the extent of the illness and how someone responds to a treatment.


What to do if you are suffering from a mental illness?

It is important to understand that the brain is an organ of the body, just like your heart or your liver. Malfunctioning of the brain isn’t something to be ashamed of. If you think you are suffering from a mental illness, you should schedule an appointment with a certified psychiatrist. A trained expert will be able to suggest you the best course of treatment.


Catex Health is a large network of mental health experts who are available 24x7 for your support and will ensure confidential, dignified and empowering support for any sort of emotional distress. Click here to reach out to an expert or call +91 9911775626.