Dealing with mental health issues can be a real challenge. They make a life that is already challenging enough even harder to deal with. Mental health issues don’t just happen on their own, as much as it might seem like it sometimes. Do you know what sorts of factors contribute to them?
Genetic Predisposition
In some cases, mental health issues crop up because of genetic predispositions to them. Mental disorders like schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can all have genetic ties. In fact, genetics may be responsible for between 17-28% of cases of these disorders. That means that while having these disorders isn’t automatically because you have a genetic predisposition to it, it does mean that it could be playing a significant role.
Traumatic Events
Some mental health issues can be brought on by traumatic events. While there is some overlap with what may be considered a traumatic event, it’s important to note that any one person may be affected differently than someone else by the same event or one similar to it. Some may find themselves suffering from depression or anxiety (or both). Others may find themselves developing PTSD. PTSD can affect your work, relationships and other aspects of your life. Because of the far-reaching effects of traumatic events, it’s often a good idea to seek professional help in overcoming any mental health issues that may arise as a result.
Lifestyle Choices
It’s pretty well known that lifestyle choices have a significant impact on your physical health. Did you know that they can impact your mental health as well? Given how interconnected your mental and physical states are, it makes a lot of sense. Lifestyle choices resulting in poor health make it difficult to feel good emotionally, which can take a huge toll on mental health over time. Feeling poorly physically is stressful on the body, especially when it’s chronic. That leads to mental stress and poor self esteem. That can even develop into depression and anxiety. The good news is that in many instances, the physical effects of poor lifestyle choices can be improved by making better lifestyle choices. That, in turn, can eventually have a positive impact on mental health.
Knowing what factors contribute to mental health issues won’t be enough to prevent them entirely, but they can help you understand them a little bit better. Once you understand them, it can become a lot easier to deal with them. In time you may even find that you’re able to overcome them.
Check out this article on how to set healthy goals!