Psychological Several psychological factors contribute to the development of mental illnesses. These include emotional, physical, or sexual abuse either as a child or as an adult. Neglect and severe psychological trauma can also trigger various mental health disorders. Studies have shown that childhood physical or sexual abuse, parental neglect, and loss of a parent significantly increase the probability of developing depression. 7 A poor ability to relate to others may also contribute to mental illness. Environmental The role of the environment has been unclear in the understanding of mental illness. The fluid definition of environment has not helped in understanding exactly how it impacts mental health. For some, the term "environment" encompasses everything other than biological factors; for others, the term "environment" elicits a more traditional connotation of infectious agents, pollutants, and the physical surroundings. But when it comes to mental health, the traditional environment must be combined with the psychosocial conditions that shape a person’s perceptions of the world. Many different life stressors can trigger mental illness in someone who is susceptible. The death of a loved one or a divorce can produce symptoms of mental illness for some people. Living in a dysfunctional family that is fraught with stress, especially in low-income households, can negatively impact one’s mental health. Parents or partners with substance abuse problems is another factor that contributes to poor mental health. Various feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, anxiety, rage, or loneliness can contribute to the development of certain mental illnesses. Major life changes such as losing a job, switching careers, or starting a new school can trigger mental difficulties for some people. Expectations, both social and cultural, can be a factor in the development of different mental health disorders. For example, the social pressures of being thin have contributed to the development of eating disorders. Research on mental health and environmental factors has even shown that there are higher rates of schizophrenia in babies born in urban areas. 8
Certain serious infections can lead to the development of mental illness. 5 Infections can also exacerbate the symptoms of mental illnesses that are already present. This innovative biological connection opens a whole new world for understanding mental illness as a disease. Infections are thought to influence the brain by crossing over the blood-brain barrier. The crossing over allows the pathogen to alter the central nervous system (CNS). In a recent study, researchers found the risk of developing a mental illness increased with the severity of the infection. 6 They also noted that anti-infective agents could influence the microbiome in the gut, thus disrupting the microflora. When the microflora is disturbed, it creates alterations in the brain via the vagus nerve (the longest of 12 cranial nerves), which again impacts the blood-brain barrier. In this same study, an association between mental illness and genetic immunity problems was discovered. This means that people with increased genetic susceptibility to infections could be more prone to developing mental health disorders. There is a complex connection between the systems of the body and their role in mental health disorders. This is on the forefront of current research. In the future, some mental illnesses may be treated through clearing up various types of infections. Brain defects or injuries can also cause various forms of mental illness. Some of these defects or injuries may occur during the development of the brain in utero or could occur from accidents. Prenatal damage can occur during the early stages of fetal brain development in the womb or at the time of birth. For example, some babies may experience a lack of oxygen during the birthing process. It is also possible for a fetus to be exposed to various stressors that may lead to mental illness, stressors such as environmental toxins, alcohol, certain drugs or medications, and inflammatory conditions. Other biological factors can also contribute to mental illnesses, including long-term substance abuse, poor nutrition, and exposure to toxins. Risk factors A mix of biological, psychological, and environmental factors each play a role in the development of mental illness. But certain factors are known to increase the risk for developing a mental illness: ● Family history. ● Financial problems. ● Divorce. ● Death of a loved one. ● Ongoing chronic medical conditions. Mental illness stigmas It can be difficult to get people with a mental illness to talk about their experiences because of the social stigma attached to such illnesses. These individuals may have been told their symptoms were a “phase” or something they could control if they really tried. They may have been called names, ridiculed, or whispered about in hushed tones. And more seriously, a person may have been discriminated against for their condition. A stigma is a set of negative, unfair, and inaccurate beliefs about a person or population. There are many ways in which people with mental illnesses are stigmatized in societies around the world. In some cases, this stigma becomes an overarching master status by which they are defined in
● Traumatic experiences. ● Alcohol and recreational drugs. ● Lack of friends or relationships.
Mental health issues are a widespread problem that affect people differently as they interact with their surroundings. Although there is no single cause for mental illness, a multitude of factors can contribute to its development.
society. When a person treats another person in a negative way because of their mental health condition, this is called discrimination . When stigma and discrimination are woven together, it can exacerbate mental health issues and prevent people with mental health issues from getting the help they need. Stigmas wield an incredible amount of power, both socially and interpersonally. Social stigmas make people feel ashamed for something that they cannot control. But people should not feel shame because of their mental illness. Mental illness is not a phase, and people cannot control it or just get over it. It is a heavy burden to carry, and when coupled with social or personal stigmas, it can be
EliteLearning.com/Cosmetology
Book Code: ENC0825
Page 32
Powered by FlippingBook