People may suffer from a variety of mental health concerns over the course of their lives, and this could be a result of several factors. Understanding the cause of mental health conditions in the country is paramount in establishing a better healthcare system, as well as devising strategies to provide help for people when they need it most.
Mental health concerns can stem from substance abuse, traumatic experiences, injuries, and poor nutrition. While research on the case is still a work in progress, we now have more answers about what causes mental health deterioration and psychosis and also ways to treat it.
1. Prolonged Substance Abuse
One of the most common causes of poor mental health is prolonged use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances. Their severe aftereffects can leave an individual mentally and physically drained of all energy.
The dependency on drugs and alcohol often stems from anxiety and depression. Over one-third of the people suffering from depression will also be addicted to alcohol. While these may provide temporary relief to the person, drugs and alcohol are notorious for exacerbating depression and anxiety.
Substance abuse and one’s mental health are co-related and are referred to as co-occurring disorders. When people do not get the proper help required to battle depression and psychosis, they will turn to substance abuse to self-medicate instead of having access to proper treatment facilities.
Methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, etc., are substances that can cause damaged blood vessels in the brain, irregular heartbeat, and even liver and kidney damage. The deterioration of the physical body and its worsening immune system will further lead to psychosis, depression, low attention span, and anxiety.
2. Head Injuries or Brain Damage
Often mental illnesses are a result of a head injury that may have caused damage to the brain. This could happen because of the birthing process where irregularities in the process may cause brain damage in the fetus.
Physical injury from road accidents is also a prominent cause of brain damage, which in turn may cause mental health concerns. In fact, injuries to the brain are directly related to mental health disorders such as mania, schizophrenia, OCD, depression, PTSD, and psychosis.
Children who may have bumped their heads too hard, resulting in concussions that have not healed properly can also lead to such mental illnesses. Depending on the nature and severity of the concussions, the mental health issues may dissipate over time.
3. Traumatic Incidents
Traumatic incidents such as car accidents, wars, or near-death experiences may cause lifetime trauma that can scar you mentally if left untreated. Medication and routine therapy sessions may be required to battle the symptoms of trauma.
If left untreated, the repeated trauma can alter the chemical wiring of the brain, especially at a young age. Trauma affects the brain’s limbic system, pituitary, hypothalamus, and may even cause nerve damage. Such events could also significantly impact the pleasure and reward system of the brain.
Trauma can lead to social anxiety, depression, suicidal tendencies, self-esteem issues, or more serious problems such as schizophrenia and PTSD. It may also trigger borderline personality disorder (BPD) or dissociative identity disorder (DID) in individuals which can have serious repercussions without proper treatment.
4. Poor Health and Nutrition
Good health and nutrition are key to a happier, healthier lifestyle. However, people who may have developed eating disorders or were deprived of proper sustenance at an early age may develop a plethora of mental health issues such as bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating disorder which may ultimately lead to obesity and heart problems.
Having a balanced diet that provides the body with all the important nutrients it needs can keep mental health issues at bay. A healthy relationship with food where balance is observed can be critical to one’s health.
On the other hand, malnutrition in one’s early life can cause irreparable damage to the brain and increase risk of eating disorders, depression, and lack of self-esteem.
5. Fetal Damage
Mental illnesses may also be a result of fetal damage, especially if the mother of the child has substance abuse disorder. This may lead the child to be born with mental illnesses or develop one at a later stage in life.
Drugs and alcohol use during pregnancy can most likely lead to depression and anxiety disorders in children. Additionally, infections and bacteria can also impact a woman’s body and harm the baby. Studies explain if the immune system is attacked during pregnancy, it can have a long-term impact on the child’s mental health.
6. Genetic History
There are many traits, conditions, or illnesses you can inherit from your family such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. Much like these, mental illnesses can also be genetically transferred.
Someone with a history of mental illness is far more likely to experience similar issues. In fact, it may even be slightly more serious and complex.
Although, there is no guarantee that someone whose family has mental complications will also develop the same traits. There are various preventative measures that one can take to lower the risks of children developing these issues. Proper nutrition, exercise, and a healthy support system from family and friends is vital to prevent the effects of genetic mental illnesses.