Main Causes of Mental Disorders

Mental health disorders encompass a wide variety of conditions that impact mood, thought and behaviour. These disorders, which range from depression, anxiety and eating disorders toschizophrenia, addiction and so on, profoundly affect an individual’s daily life and make it difficult to maintain relationships and overall happiness.

While mental health concerns are not uncommon, they become classified as mental illness when symptoms persistently create distress, interfere with one’s ability to function or perform day-to-day activities and impact their ability to have normal connections with people.

According to psychologists, several biological, psychological and environmental factors cause mental health disorders. Biological causes, such as genetic predispositions, neurotransmitter imbalances, prenatal influences and substance abuse can create or contribute to disorders.

Certain illnesses are associated with defects in brain regions or chemical imbalances that affect mood and behaviour, which is why medications and therapies that adjust neurotransmitter levels can often alleviate symptoms.

Factors affecting the developing foetus, like oxygen deprivation during birth, can sometimes increase the risk of one developing mental health challenges like autism and attention deficit. Similarly, malnutrition or exposure to harmful substances can also disrupt brain function, potentially leading to mental health disorders.

It’s also quite common for prolonged misuse of drugs or alcohol to exacerbate conditions like anxiety and depression. Conditions like substance-induced psychosis are where heavy or long-term substance abuse directly causes mental disorders or their symptoms.

Psychological factors are also quite prevalent in the diagnosis of mental health conditions. Exposure to severe trauma like physical, sexual or emotional abuse during childhood can profoundly impact a person’s development and mental health. Such experiences often lead to conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and borderline personality disorder. Likewise, significant losses, especially at an early age like the death of a parent or chronic neglect, may influence the likelihood of developing anxiety, depression or other psychological issues later in life. Traumatic life events impact adults too. Things like the loss of a partner or child, divorce or job change can be common triggers that can provoke or worsen conditions in those predisposed to mental health disorders.

Our environment can also have a huge impact on the likelihood of us developing mental disorders. Growing up in an unstable or abusive home or living with family members who abuse drugs or alcohol can create a tumultuous environment and increase the risk of mental health issues for all members, especially children.

Other environmental factors, such as societal standards surrounding beauty ideals or success norms can negatively impact or cause an array of mental health issues. Pressures around body image for example have been linked to eating disorders, while high expectations around success can contribute to anxiety and depression.

Psychologists have also discovered that socioeconomic factors can have an impact on predisposition to mental health. Studies show a strong correlation between poverty and the likelihood of developing depression, anxiety and other disorders. This is likely because financial instability, debt, lack of access to education or stable employment opportunities are common sources of chronic stress, anxiety and depression and can have a lasting impact on mental health.

Maintaining positive mental health is crucial for a balanced life as it influences our ability to handle normal day-to-day stress, form relationships and make decisions. Fortunately, with medications, psychotherapy or a combination of treatments, many mental disorders can be reversed or managed. They shouldn’t be ignored, because people with untreated mental health issues are at greater risk for developing chronic physical conditions too, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease and reduced life expectancy.

Recognising the various factors contributing to mental health conditions can help prevent mental health disorders from occurring in the first place. By being proactive towards our mental health, as we are with our physical wellbeing, we can live a long and fulfilling life that’s vibrant and positive.

Kamalaya Connect offers Mind-Body Balance, a 60-minute online session designed to support your journey to lifelong positive mental health. Through a process of counselling, yoga Nidra, pranayama and meditative practices your mentor will evaluate mind-body imbalances, address anger, anxiety, depression or worry and help you find or rediscover inner balance and peace.