In the past experts have tried to identify a single cause for mental illness.
However, it is now widely accepted that there is no single cause and that there
are several different factors which can contribute to mental illness, either
alone or in combination.
Mental illnesses are:
- biological - linked with disturbances in the brain or other body-system
chemistry
- psychological - linked with disturbances in thought or emotion
- social - linked with life events and stresses.
Mental health professionals look at all three areas of a person's life when
they design a plan for treating the illness.
Biological factors that may affect whether someone becomes mentally
ill include:
- pre-natal damage
- physical trauma
- disease and infection
- chemical imbalances in the brain.
Genetics may play a part too. Studies show that close relatives of someone
with schizophrenia or an affective disorder are much more likely to have the
same illness a non-relative. However, people don't inherit mental illnesses,
they only inherit the tendency to develop them.
Psychological and social factors could include:
- lack of support from relationships
- child abuse
- family violence
- unemployment
- major changes in life.
Protective Factors
There are also a number of protective factors which can lessen the effect of
the factors that can help cause mental illness. People at risk of becoming mentally
ill can prove to be very resilient to mental illness with the help of such factors
as:
- supportive relationships
- self-esteem
- stress management
- emotional well-being
- spiritual health.
Coping with mental illness
Just as there are different causes, there are also many ways to cope with mental
illness.
Professional methods usually include medication, psychotherapy, or both
at the same time. One approach that is becoming more popular is cognitive behavioural
therapy. In this type of therapy, the therapist helps the person to look at
his or her situation in a more helpful way while at the same time working to
correct their unhealthy behaviours. There are also community support services
to help people manage their lives. The areas these services can help with include:
- housing
- employment
- income
- recreation.
Non-professional methods are just as important. For example, the support
of family and friends is very important for someone coping with mental illness.
Another valuable resource is a self-help group where people in similar situations
can share advice, help, and support.
Many people find that a combination of strategies is what helps most. This
can include:
- medication,
- talk therapy, and
- alternative approaches (like a balanced diet, exercise, yoga and meditation).
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