The causes of mental health problems can vary, depending on a person’s genetic predisposition, social factors, and life experiences (stressful, traumatic, etc.).
The role of genetics in causing mental health problems
Genes are segments of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), the biological “blueprint” for proteins that form the building blocks of our cells. Genetic information is passed from biological parents to children through DNA, and this information varies from one person to another. The genetic information passed on determines a person’s appearance, physical and mental health, and susceptibility to 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 problems, which in turn affects how and what a person thinks or feels, and how they cope with life’s difficulties.
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 associated with changes in genes that control brain development and function. Having a first-degree relative with schizophrenia increases the risk of developing schizophrenia, but environmental factors also play a role. 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 highest rates of genetically inherited disorders is bipolar disorder. Although environmental factors are important causes of bipolar disorder, it is estimated that approximately 70-90% of all cases are due to genetic factors.
Social factors in causing mental health problems
There are many social factors that, on the one hand, cause, and on the other hand, aggravate a person’s mental problems. Such factors include material poverty, difficult living conditions, war, racial discrimination, different sexual orientation, imprisonment, death of a family member (relative), social isolation, family relationships (family conflicts), upbringing style, migration, dense settlement of the city, etc.
The above-mentioned social factors violate the integrity of the person, cause various negative emotions, the person feels depressed, humiliated and helpless, communication skills are impaired, both with himself and with other people. Social factors affect the person’s thoughts, which in turn complicates the person’s mental state.
Such social factors have such a great impact on the person that a change occurs at the biochemical 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 about traumatic experiences. Trauma affects not only mental health, but also the person as a whole.
There are various causes of mental problems. Some mental disorders may be caused by a genetic predisposition, such as psychosis, because it can develop without any trigger/causing cause. On the other hand, some mental disorders may develop without a genetic predisposition, due to the influence of social factors, such as adjustment disorders, anxiety disorders, etc.