Specific mental disorders are grouped together due to features they have in common. Likewise, people without related genes or a family history of mental illness can still have mental health issues.Ĭhronic stress and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety may develop due to underlying physical health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, and chronic pain. Having a gene associated with a mental health disorder does not guarantee that a condition will develop. However, many other factors contribute to the development of these disorders. The NIMH suggests that genetic family history can increase the likelihood of mental health conditions as specific genes and gene variants put a person at higher risk.
These experiences also make people vulnerable to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There are also associations between childhood abuse and other adverse events with various psychotic disorders. Several studies support that adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse, parental loss, parental separation, and parental illness significantly affect a growing child’s mental and physical health. People with a “weak economic status” also scored highest for mental health conditions in this study. The researchers found that being female increased the risk of low mental health status by nearly 4 times. socioeconomic conditions, such as whether work is available in the local area.Modifiable factors for mental health disorders include: The researchers also described flexible (modifiable) and inflexible (nonmodifiable) factors that affect the availability and quality of mental health treatment for certain groups. Having limited financial means or belonging to a marginalized or persecuted ethnic group can increase the risk of mental health disorders.Ī 2015 Iranian study describes several socioeconomic causes of mental health conditions, including poverty and living on the outskirts of a large city. The following factors can contribute to mental health disruptions. It is important to note that good mental health depends on a delicate balance of factors and that several elements may contribute to developing these disorders. Many people with a mental health disorder have more than one condition at a time. Social and financial circumstances, adverse childhood experiences, biological factors, and underlying medical conditions can all shape a person’s mental health. and much of the developed world, mental disorders are one of the leading causes of disability. Risk factors for mental health conditionsĮveryone is at some risk of developing a mental health disorder, regardless of age, sex, income, or ethnicity.
We also describe the most common types of mental disorders, including their early signs and how to treat them. This article explains what people mean by mental health and mental illness. Stress, depression, and anxiety can all affect mental health and disrupt a person’s routine.Īlthough health professionals often use the term mental health, doctors recognize that many psychological disorders have physical roots. Doing this involves balancing life activities, responsibilities, and efforts to achieve psychological resilience. Looking after mental health can preserve a person’s ability to enjoy life.
Factors in people’s lives, interpersonal connections, and physical factors can contribute to mental ill health. However, this link also works in the other direction. Mental health can affect daily living, relationships, and physical health. People sometimes use the term “mental health” to mean the absence of a mental disorder. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being.