Mental Health Causes, Effects, and Solutions
Mental health wellness is a significant condition that many people tend to assume does not require medical attention. Mental illness can be anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, to name a few. Some cases are mild and some more severe than others. Everyone has an opinion when it comes to mental health. A lot of people that have never experienced any form of mental illness issue are much less sensitive to the subject than those that have. So where exactly do these mental health issues arise from, are we born with them like is it genetics? Does a series of events cause mental illnesses? Is mental illness preventable? Is it just in people’s heads that they are not okay, and they need to make themselves believe they are? Is mental illness an illness? Is medication the only way to make it better? There are so many questions and arguments that can be had regarding mental health issues. Here are some of them, although I have included some of the possible solutions to problems causing mental illnesses and its effects.
Typically, there has been a lot of debate as to whether mental health well-being conditions can both be inherited and genetically passed down through the generation or if the health issues crop up along the way as other illnesses. There have been many studies to try and prove that mental illness can come from genetics, but there is very little evidence to prove that. Although there is no known specific gene that causes mental illness, what research can show is a combination of environmental issues and social issues, along with the same DNA patterns. In an article called “Preventing mental illness: closing the evidence-practice gap through workforce and services planning,” it talks about children that come from unstable homes. It states that children that come from a home of neglect, child abuse, alcohol, drugs, mental illness, or experience some isolation are at a high risk of suffering from mental health conditions. All these high-risk factors for those children tend to take time to develop into mental health issues of any kind because of their social settings they were exposed to early on. Being exposed to these high-stress situations causes changes in the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems and remains apparent through adulthood. Does it mean that every child that has lived under these circumstances will grow up to have their mental health issues? The answer is no, but they have higher chances than someone who was brought up in a more stable home and healthy conditions.
Also, there are environmental causes like poor nutrition, being exposed to toxins, and head injuries that can all increase chances of mental health issues. So this brings me to my next question is Mental illness preventable? From my findings, I am going to say no, it is not. Even though there is no way to determine a mental illness through blood work or some imaging, researchers are still very fixated on the fact that genes do influence these disorders.
Additionally, some issues, such as past events or occurrences, can cause one to suffer from mental health illnesses. For instance, children that have dealt with traumatic events at very young ages like a loss of a parent or a traumatic natural disaster, which are all high-stress situations, may soon turn to depression, anxiety, and so forth, again unavoidable. Most mental health victims never really had a chance because of their circumstances as young adults.
Some people may believe that someone is just “crazy” or “overreacting” when it comes to how they are feeling because of their situation, or they think that those dealing with mental illnesses need to be in psychiatric hospitals because they are a threat to society. Although there can be some truth in that, those cases are much rarer. Most people suffering from mental health issues can manage to hold jobs, going to school, and living independently. It may not be as easy compared to others that are more in control of their emotions, but with the right treatment, it is possible. As I previously stated, doctors still do have a lot of blurred lines to figure out between brain disorder and mental illnesses. However, we do know there is some chemical imbalance and distress there that someone doesn’t always have full control of what they are feeling.
In an article published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information webpage called “Information about Mental illness and the Brain,” it says “our brain controls virtually everything we as humans experience, including movement, sensing our environment, regulating our involuntary body processes such as breathing, and controlling our emotions” something we should all keep in mind. The fact that it takes medications like anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, and or need psychotherapy goes to show that yes, these mental illnesses are, in fact, diseases that need to be treated as any other illness does. Conversely, when these mental health problems are left untreated, they can debilitate someone from being able to function in daily activities. Some of the more mild cases may be treated with only therapy, but treatment is essential. Untreated cases may also lead to more serious issues like suicide, children having trouble in school, self-isolation, other health issues, and so on. Mental health should be taken as seriously as your physical health.
Although mental health issues may not be preventable, most of them are noticeable at an early stage, whereby with the right intervention, they may be managed appropriately. For instance, incidences of mental disorders emanating from inherited genes or genetics, an individual susceptible to mental illnesses, may need constant care and being checked on by a loved one. Additionally, it would be significant to show lots of love and support by making sure that regular counseling is done to check on the mental health status and wellness of an individual. Also, it would be essential to note all the triggers that may lead to mental disorders and minimize at all cost the incidences that could result in psychological problems.
Mental disorders that come as a result of undesirable past experiences or even traumatic events can also be minimized. For example, it would be vital to give ample guidance and counseling to all individuals affected by past traumatic events. Like in a practical case where one has suffered from rape or even any form of sexual assault, the victim may require adequate time to recover from their hurt feelings and emotions. Therefore, it would take the intervention of various professionals to get the victim back in their sound, sane, and reasoning thoughts. Professionals such as a physical clinician can help the victim in treating the patient from the illness. Additionally, a psychologist or guidance and counseling expert are essential in such cases to help the patient deal with their mental state to avert issues of mental health at the moment or later in life.
In cases where environmental factors and social aspects play a role in causing mental health issues, it would be essential to reduce the triggers leading to such psychological problems. For instance, an expectant mother should refrain from any substance abuse such as alcohol and tobacco. The reason is that unborn children exposed to unhealthy harmful practices and toxins may later in life develop psychological related illnesses and disorders. Proper counseling during antenatal visits to the mother should emphasize on the benefits of taking care of one’s pregnancy for the sake of the unborn baby’s health.
In incidences, where an expectant mother may be found to have a particular disease such as the inflammatory conditions that may risk the unborn child’s mental health, the appropriate medication should be given to the parent. Also, the issue concerning the brain chemistry can be closely monitored and managed by the use of drugs such as anti-depressants or anti-psychotics to minimize the harm caused by mental health disorders.
People suffering from various mental disorders can join support groups to help them cope with the problem knowing that they are not alone. Support groups can help in getting new ideas from your peers on how they manage their mental status. Also, the support groups assist in keeping the mental health patients busy and active in other issues that do not trigger the occurrence or eruption of a mental health issue. That way, mental health patients can adopt a positive attitude towards life by focusing more on their life in a progressive way.
In conclusion, mental health wellness is indeed a big issue in the community. Sometimes, it may be difficult to tell if an individual is suffering from mental disorders or if they are acting crazy. However, all of us must be checking on our family members, relatives, friends, and even neighbors and acquaintances. It could go a long way in averting mental issues such as depression or even suicidal thoughts. It is good to show genuine support and care to all without assuming that everyone is okay by themselves without your input. A small loving gesture may change a mental health patient or victim immensely for the better in their life.
Works Cited
Asher GN, et al. Complementary therapies for mental health disorders. Medical Clinics of North America. 2017;101:847
DenglerFeb, Roni. “Major Mental Illnesses Unexpectedly Share Brain Gene Activity, Raising Hope for Better Diagnostics and Therapies.” Science, 8 Feb. 2018, www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/02/major-mental-illnesses-unexpectedly-share-brain-gene-activity-raising-hope-better#.
Furber, Gareth, et al. “Preventing mental illness: closing the evidence-practice gap through workforce and services planning.” BMC Health Services Research, vol. 15, no. 1, 2015. Gale OneFile: Nursing and Allied Health, https://link-gale-com.libproxy.maricopa.edu/apps/doc/A541448652/PPNU?u=mcc_mesa&sid=PPNU&xid=76601daf. Accessed April 22. 2020.
Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 18, 2019
National Institutes of Health (US); Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. NIH Curriculum Supplement Series [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Institutes of Health (US); 2007. Information about Mental Illness and the Brain. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK20369/
Newman L, et al. Early origins of mental disorder — Risk factors in the perinatal and infant period. BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:270.