Reasons for Mental Health Problems

One in every four people have suffered from mental illness at some point in their life, according to the World Health Organization. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of sex, race or age. Chemical imbalances, genetics, environment and psychology are all thought to affect mental health.

Chemical Imbalances

• An imbalance of neurotransmitters, which send messages to the brain, is thought to be a cause of mental illness, according to an article by psychologist Joseph M Carver. Dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) are some of the chemicals that affect mental health. Too much or too little of the neurotransmitters have been linked to schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There are many medications on the market that have been shown to help with chemical imbalances.

Genetics

• Genetics also play a role in mental health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who have family members with a history of illness are more susceptible to similar disorders. Family studies, which often look at identical twins, show a genetic predisposition to several mental disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder.

Environment

• Environmental change, such as beginning a new job or starting at a new school, can cause stress and trigger many mental health issues, according to the CDC. Research has shown that even living in poverty may leave many people at risk of mental health issues.

  The stress of dealing with one's physical appearance is a root cause of eating disorders, especially for women. Substance abuse has also been linked to the manifestation of mental health disorders. And a new study from the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine shows that even secondhand smoke could affect the mental health of children.

Dysfunctional Families

• Dysfunctional development in childhood is proved to be a cause of mental health issues, according to a study published in British Journal of Psychiatry. Neglect and sexual abuse as a child are very common among those suffering from depression. Dysfunctional family life may be a factor in developing schizophrenia. Poor social interaction and the inability to relate to others affects mental health in children and some adults, especially the elderly. Loss of a loved one can also bring about mental instability, regardless of age.