The cause of a mental health problem can be different, it depends on a person’s genetic predisposition, social factors and life (stressful, traumatic and other) experiences.
The role of genetics in causing mental health problems
Genes These are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the biological “blueprint” for proteins that make up the building blocks of our cells. DNA is used to transfer genetic data from biological parents to their children, and these data differ from each other. Transmitted genetic information determines a person’s appearance, physical and mental health, vulnerability or resistance to various diseases. Certain genes (and not just one specific gene), along with biological and environmental factors, may be associated with certain mental health problems, which in turn affect how and what a person thinks or feels and how they cope with life’s challenges.
Common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders are likely the result of a combination of life experiences, environment, and genetic predisposition.
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are linked to changes in genes that control brain development and function. Having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia dramatically increases the risk of developing schizophrenia, but environmental factors are also important. Determining whether the disease is genetic or environmental is difficult.
Anxiety disorders are associated with polymorphisms in genes that control neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
One of the genetically inherited high rates comes from bipolar disorder. Although environmental factors are important causes of bipolar disorder, it is estimated that approximately 70-90% of all cases are attributed to genetic factors.
Social factors in causing mental health problems
There are many social factors which on the one hand cause and on the other hand aggravate mental problems of a person. Such factors include material poverty, harsh living conditions, war, racial discrimination, different sexual orientation, imprisonment, death of a family member (relative), social isolation, family relationships (family conflicts), parenting style, migration, dense urban settlement and others.
The social factors mentioned above violate the integrity of the person, cause various negative emotions, the person feels depressed, humiliated and weak, the communication skills are violated, both with oneself and with other people. Social factors affect the thoughts of a person, which in turn complicates the mental state of a person.
Such social factors have such a great influence on a person that a change occurs at the bio-chemical level. For example, during conflicts, the level of cortisol (the so-called stress hormone) rises quite high, which increases anxiety in a person. The same can be said for traumatic experiences. Trauma affects not only mental health, but the person as a whole.
conclusion
There are various reasons that cause mental problems. Some mental disorders may be genetically predisposed, such as psychosis, as they may develop without any trigger. On the other hand, it is possible that without genetic predisposition, under the influence of social factors, one or another mental disorder may develop, for example, adjustment disorder, anxiety disorder, and others.