Pinning down the exact causes of most mental health disorders is difficult. Nonetheless, a growing body of research shows many mental health disorders stem from a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Certain aspects of each factor influence the causes for depression, anxiety, and other mental issues.
Today, millions of Americans struggle with mental health concerns, which can be debilitating and life-altering for many. It’s time to seek treatment. For more information about the causes of mental health disorders and what treatments are available, contact South Tampa Psychiatry today at 866.273.5017.
Causes of Mental Health Disorders
Today a large and growing population of the United States and the world as a whole have faced a range of mental health conditions.
As previously indicated, mental health disorders arise from varying biological, psychological, and environmental factors. A number of biological factors play a role in mental health disorders, some of the most prominent being:
- Genetics
- Brain injuries
- Substance abuse
- Poor nutrition
A few of the psychological factors that influence mental health include trauma, abuse, and neglect. Unfortunately, because everyone’s mental health is different, the psychological factors that encourage one person to develop a mental health condition won’t necessarily force another to produce one.
Finally, common environmental factors contributing to mental disorders may include a family death, divorce, major life changes, or societal or cultural pressures.
These factors frequently combine and overlap, meaning a mental health disorder is rarely the result of just one aspect. Despite the challenges inherent in addressing the myriad causes of mental health disorders, effective and widely available treatments exist.
The factors listed above include some of the various influences that impact whether a person is likely to contract a mental health disorder. However, this list is not exhaustive. Two of the most common mental disorders are depression and anxiety. While both share similar causes, each is a unique mental disorder that is brought on by its own set of influences.
Causes of Depression
Depression is a mood disorder. While it can manifest differently for different people, it generally involves sadness and feelings of loss that have intensified to the point of interrupting a person’s everyday activities and quality of life. Two of the most common causes of depression are family history and early childhood trauma.
In terms of family history, your chances of developing depression increase based on family members having depression or another mood disorder at some point in their lives. Furthermore, with regards to childhood trauma, serious events can alter the brain at an early age, leaving people predisposed to depression later in life.
Causes of Anxiety
Anxiety affects everyone at some point in their lives. It regularly arises during times of stress or change. This condition becomes a mental health disorder is when the anxiety is persistent, intense, and profoundly impacting a person’s ability to function normally. Anxiety is often caused by underlying medical issues, such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic pain. Many medications also list anxiety as a potential side effect.
Similar to depression, biological and environmental factors cause anxiety. In fact, having depression makes people more likely to also struggle with an anxiety disorder. Other causes of anxiety include family history, prolonged stress, and childhood trauma.
Seek Treatment at South Tampa Psychiatry
South Tampa Psychiatry offers therapy and psychiatric services, as well as TMS Therapy for treating mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety. Mental illness doesn’t need to hold you back in life. We are here to help you thrive and live the life you’ve always wanted.
If you or someone you love is currently dealing with a mental health disorder, contact us online or at 866.273.5017 to get in touch with our mental health specialists.
