What Causes Mental Health Disorders?
If you are living with a mental health disorder, it’s normal to ponder, “Why me?” and “How did this happen?” We don’t entirely know why some people have mental disorders, but experts have identified some characteristics that may influence them. After you have a better understanding of the likely causes of mental disorders, it’s easier to discover the treatment you need and feel less lonely.
What Causes Mental Health Disorders?
There isn’t a irrefutable way to know what has led to a mental health disorder. You could have equivalent life experiences to another individual and develop a disorder that they don’t. Or, perhaps you have a mental illness that your relatives don’t have. But, professionals have singled out factors that have undeniable correlations to mental health disorders. If you have a psychiatric condition, you may relate to one or more of these causes of mental health disorders.
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are distressing events that occur prior to the age of 18. These can include:
- Acts of violence or physical abuse
- Witnessing violence
- Having a family member commit suicide or try to do so
- Living with an individual with a substance use disorder
- Living with a person with an unmanaged mental health disorder
- Separation from parents or loved ones
- Food or housing insecurity
The detrimental effects of these events may stick with you throughout your life. Even if you happen to have a more stable, safer life in your adult years, the terror and harm caused by ACEs can play a role in psychiatric conditions.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Suffering from and managing a chronic, life-endangering medical concern may take a toll on you. It may be discouraging, scary, and tiring. So, it’s not surprising that people experiencing chronic medical afflictions are at an elevated risk for mental disorders, too. If you’re struggling with consistent anxiety or feelings of depression as part of a long-term illness, this might be a logical explanation.
Drug Or Alcohol Use
Prescription drugs, illicit drugs, and alcohol all contain strong chemicals that change your thoughts and feelings. That’s the reason why individuals take these mind-altering substances and why they become afflicted by drug and alcohol use disorders. But these chemicals could alter your neural pathways, creating issues that last even after the substance isn’t being used. When your brain is modified like this, it may cause mental health disorders.
Social Isolation
Humans are social creatures. Even reserved citizens necessitate a bit of human bonding to flourish. If you have a mostly secluded life with a limited number of fulfilling interactions or relationships with others, it will influence your mental health.
Chemical Imbalances
Our physical, emotional, and mental health are all connected to chemicals found in our bodies. When those chemicals get out of whack for whatever reason, we may endure unpleasant ramifications. If there’s no obvious reason behind your psychiatric disorder, it may be that the brain chemicals that manage your moods are out of balance. Things like lifestyle and genetics might cause these imbalances, but most frequently, physicians don’t know why someone is undergoing this widespread cause of mental health disorders.
Why Does The Cause Of Mental Disorders Make Any Difference?
Why does the cause of your mental disorder matter? You may never identify the precise cause of your disorder, but these factors will help enlighten you as to what it is. From there, you and your healthcare provider will have less difficulty figuring out how to address your disorder. For instance, medications may help with chemical imbalances, and therapy may be best to help you overcome childhood experiences.
Knowing possible causes of mental health conditions might also assist you in making required lifestyle improvements to help you avoid other disorders. You might also feel less on your own understanding other people share your experiences and diagnosis.
Get More Information About Mental Health Disorders And Treatment
The Counseling Center is your trusted local provider of mental health treatment. We provide compassionate outpatient care when you need a hand managing or diagnosing a psychiatric disorder. Call 866-850-5001 today or fill out the form below, and we’ll reply promptly to discuss your mental health situation.