People can experience a variety of mental health issues throughout their lives, and this can be the result of many factors. Understanding the causes of mental health problems in the country is critical to establishing a better health system, as well as developing strategies to provide help to people when they need it most.
Mental health problems can result from substance abuse, traumatic experiences, injuries, and a poor diet. While the investigation into the case is still ongoing, we now have more answers about the causes of deteriorating mental health and psychosis, as well as ways to treat them.
1. Chronic addiction
One of the most common causes of mental health problems is long-term use of alcohol, drugs, and other substances. Its severe effects can leave an individual mentally and physically drained of energy.
Drug and alcohol addiction often stems from anxiety and depression. More than a third of people with depression are also dependent on alcohol. While these can provide temporary relief to a person, drugs and alcohol are known to worsen depression and anxiety.
Substance abuse and mental health are linked and are called concomitant disorders. When people don’t get the proper help they need to deal with depression and psychosis, they turn to substance abuse to self-medicate rather than accessing proper treatment facilities.
Methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, etc. are substances that can damage blood vessels in the brain, irregular heartbeat, and even damage the liver and kidneys. The destruction of the physical body and its worsening of the immune system will further lead to psychosis, depression, inattention, and anxiety.
2. Head injuries or brain damage
Mental disorders are often the result of a head injury that may have caused brain damage. This can happen due to the birthing process, where irregularities in the process can cause brain damage to the fetus.
Physical injuries from car accidents are also a major cause of brain damage, which can lead to mental health problems. In fact, brain damage is directly linked to mental health disorders such as mania, schizophrenia, OCD, depression, PTSD, and psychosis.
Children who hit their heads too hard, resulting in concussions that do not heal properly, can also lead to these mental disorders. Depending on the nature and severity of the concussions, mental health issues may go away over time.
3. Traumatic incidents
Traumatic incidents such as car accidents, wars, or near-death experiences can cause lifelong trauma that can leave you with mental scars if left untreated. Medication and regular therapy sessions may be necessary to combat 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 limbic system of the brain, pituitary, and hypothalamus and can cause nerve damage. Such events can also significantly affect the brain’s pleasure and reward system.
Trauma can lead to social anxiety, depression, suicide, self-esteem issues, or more serious issues like schizophrenia and PTSD. It can also trigger borderline personality disorder (BPD) or dissociative identity disorder (DID) in people who can have severe effects without proper treatment.
4. Poor health and nutrition
Good health and good nutrition are the keys to a happier, healthier lifestyle. However, people who can develop eating disorders or who are deprived of adequate nutrition at an early age can develop various mental health issues such as bulimia, anorexia, or binge eating that can lead to obesity. and heart problems.
A balanced diet that provides your body with all the essential nutrients it needs can prevent mental health problems. A healthy relationship with food in which balance is observed can be essential for health.
On the other hand, malnutrition in the first few years of life can cause irreversible brain damage and increase the risk of eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem.
5. Fetal injury
Mental illness can also result from harm to the fetus, especially if the child’s mother has a substance use disorder. This can lead to the birth of a child with a mental illness or the development of an illness in the future.
Drug and alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to depression and anxiety in children. In addition, infections and bacteria can also affect the woman’s body and harm the baby. Studies show that if the immune system is attacked during pregnancy, it can have long-term effects on the child’s mental health.
6. Genetic history
There are many traits, conditions, or diseases that you can inherit from your family, such as diabetes, heart disease, etc. Like these, mental disorders can also be transmitted genetically.
A person with a history of mental illness is more likely to experience similar problems. In fact, it can be more serious and complicated. Although there is no guarantee that someone whose family has mental complications will also have the same characteristics. Several preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of children developing these problems. Good nutrition, exercise, and a healthy support system from family and friends are important in preventing the effects of genetic mental illness.
